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Getting the Word Out:
160 Years of the Canada Gazette
Many aspects of working with Canada’s official newspaper continue to
awe and inspire me; its historic role in protecting the democratic rights
of Canadians is just one. I’ve always held that the most impressive feature
of the Canada Gazette, however, is the quality of the team that
gets the publication out to readers week after week.
They keep working, no matter what, to meet strict deadlines. In our old
offices - in Hull, Quebec, home of the Canada Gazette for decades
- power interruptions used to occur frequently, but they would never slow
production. Almost without thought, staff would grab the cardboard boxes
ever at the ready, and abandon the darkened, windowless offices for the
cafeteria, the only part of the building whose windows maximized the natural
light. There, they would unpack the contents of the boxes - red and blue
pens used in different stages of the editing process, rulers, scotch tape,
staplers, and correction tape for masking mistakes. Even a half-day’s
delay in the production process could mean missing a publication deadline.
In turn, failing to publish on schedule could affect the effectiveness
of regulations. So, they worked in eerie silence - the other workers who
shared the offices having already left the powerless building - until
the current issue of the Canada Gazette was finished.
This is the kind of shared history and pride that bring together the
people who are the faces behind the printed pages of the Canada Gazette.
It is a part of the reason why most of the 19-member production team has
more than a decade of continued service on the production of the Canada
Gazette. Theirs is a dedication built on pride in serving well a publication
that has been at the heart of our democratic Government for over a century
and a half.
I would like to dedicate this book to those individuals who, over the
years, have worked through illness, storms, holidays and power outages
to guarantee Canadians’ right to information that can affect their daily
lives.
As we herald the remarkable achievements of the Canada Gazette,
let us marvel in its rich history, for it is only by remaining in touch
with our roots that gives us all a sense of belonging and being connected
to the world.
Heartfelt thanks are given to the current production team of the Canada
Gazette.
Original signed by:
Carole Kennedy
Director
Canada Gazette Directorate
(7 years of service)
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