Quebec forks out $5M in aid as major newspaper chain seeks bankruptcy protection

The Quebec government says it will invest $5 million inaFrench-language newspaper chain that sought bankruptcy protection Monday.

Le Groupe Capitales Mdiasownsdaily newspapers in some of Quebec's largest markets,includingQuebec City's Le Soleil,Le Droit of Gatineau-Ottawa and Trois-Rivires'sLe Nouvelliste.

The newspaper chain was founded by former federal Liberal cabinet minister Martin Cauchon. Its financial difficulties had been widely known for several weeks.

In announcing the financial aid, the provincial government stressed the important role the newspapers play in Quebec society.

"It's impossible to envision the closure of six newspapers," said Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon.

Fitzgibbon also said Cauchon had resigned as CEO of the newspaper chain and a restructuring process will begin shortly.

News ofGroupe Capitales's intention to file for bankruptcy protection prompted an emergency meeting of the provincial cabinet on Monday.

Premier Franois Legaultsaid on Twitter that the bail-out will buy some time forthe newspaper chain to find new owners, and for the government to put in place a general media assistance program.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday that it's necessary for media to have the capacity and resources to ask important questions and report the truth.

"We will always be there to see how we can help while respecting, of course, the essential independence of the media," Trudeau said Monday in Quebec City.

Last year, the federal government announced nearly $600 million in financial aid for print media over five years, as well as tax credits for hiring journalists for local coverage.

Quebecorexpresses interest

Legault had promised over the weekend, amid reports of the chain's impending insolvency, thathis government would "do everything" to ensure the survival of the papers.

He previously said the government would be open to emergency one-time help until a general media assistance program is put in place.Groupe Capitalesreceived a $10-million loan from the Quebec government in 2017.

The company also owns La Tribunein Sherbrooke, La Voix de l'Est in Granby, Le Quotidien and Progrs week-end in Saguenay.

Quebecor Inc., which publishes the Journal de Qubec, Le Journal de Montralas well as the TVA television group, has expressed interest in the newspapers but the Liberal opposition is worried about media concentration.

The president and CEO ofQuebecoris Pierre Karl Pladeau, former leader of the Parti Qubcois.

There was also areportthatMontreal newspaperLe Devoirwas examining the possibility of joining forces with Le Soleil.

"We are studying all the options with our partners, but it is premature to make assumptions at this stage," Le Devoir's editor-in-chief, Brian Myles, said in a statement.