November 19, 2024 Standing Committee on Transport and Communications When I appeared before the Standing Committee on Transport and Communications, the Committee’s vice-chair, Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne, asked me to provide more information on the number of journalists working at regional stations in Quebec. I had said that there were fewer journalists in 2024, and the Senator wanted me to demonstrate this to her.

A compilation using data provided to the union by CBC/Radio-Canada shows that between and 2024, the number of permanent journalists working at regional stations (excluding Montreal, Quebec and Moncton) fell from to 57. And there is variation: while Rimouski has two more journalists, Trois-Rivières has five fewer. A small variation which, I agree, cannot be compared to the situation facing colleagues working for private networks. But the biggest change is the workload.

In 2024, journalists working at regional stations have to produce for radio, TV and digital platforms on a daily basis, as well as do live hits and editing. They are increasingly shifting away from the role of journalist and more toward the role of content producer. Regional news management is increasingly driven by accounting imperatives. The following table summarizes the evolution of permanent jobs: 2020 Matane Rimouski Rouyn-Noranda Saguenay Sept-Îles Sherbrooke Trois-Rivières The numbers remained stable at three stations and fell marginally at two stations. I trust you will find this satisfactory.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require more information. Pierre Tousignant