King's Printer in Canada: Federal and Provincial Publishing Authorities
In the Canadian legal and administrative system, the King's Printer serves as the official authority responsible for the publication and distribution of government documents. These offices ensure that laws, regulations, and official notices are accurately recorded and made accessible to the public, maintaining the transparency of the legislative process across federal and provincial jurisdictions.
The Federal King's Printer
The King's Printer for Canada (French: Imprimeur du Roi) is based in Ottawa. This role is distinct from the equivalent positions held in the provinces. The primary responsibility of the federal King's Printer is to manage the printing and publishing requirements of the King-in-federal-Council.
Under the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act, the minister of public works and government services is authorized to appoint the King's Printer for Canada on behalf of the sovereign.
Provincial and Territorial Printing Authorities
Each province and territory manages its own official publishing functions, though the structure and scope of these offices vary by region.
Alberta
Established in 1906, the Alberta King's Printer oversees the administration of Crown copyright (copyright owned by the government) within the province. The office publishes and distributes the Alberta Gazette, legislation, and regulations in both digital and hard copy formats. These materials are available via the internet, a dedicated bookstore in Edmonton, and various libraries across Alberta. The position is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta-in-Council.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, the office of the King's Printer and Comptroller of Stationery operates as a branch of the Procurement and Supply Services department. Beyond providing copies of the British Columbia Gazette and other legislation, the office manages a gift and book store called Crown Publications and offers public binding, copying, and printing services. Following Royal Assent, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly provides the King's Printer with certified copies of new laws and legislative journals.
Manitoba
Founded in 1870, the King's Printer for Manitoba is currently the Deputy Minister of Finance, with duties delegated to the Communications and Engagement Division of Manitoba Finance. Under the Queen's Printer Act of Manitoba, the office serves three primary roles:
- Acting as the official source for statutory publications, including the Manitoba Gazette and the Continuing Consolidation of the Statutes of Manitoba (CCSM).
- Managing government contracts for communication, advertising, and publishing services.
- Holding Crown copyright for the province, including official marks and logos, much of which is available under an open use license.
Saskatchewan
Based in Regina, the Office of the King's Printer in Saskatchewan publishes the Saskatchewan Gazette and other materials ordered by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan-in-Council. The office holds Crown copyright on behalf of the King in Right of Saskatchewan and may release this copyright on a one-time basis in exceptional cases. Like in British Columbia, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly must provide certified copies of new laws and journals to the King's Printer after Royal Assent.
Other Provincial Offices
- New Brunswick: Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of the Executive Council, this office publishes The Royal Gazette and provincial acts.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: The King's Printer is appointed by the Minister of Digital Government and Service.
- Nova Scotia: The King's Printer is responsible for publishing the Royal Gazette.
- Ontario: This office holds Crown copyright (marked as © King's Printer for Ontario) and is legally mandated to print the Ontario Gazette.
- Prince Edward Island: Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, the King's Printer is an officer of the Department of the Provincial Treasury. They publish the Royal Gazette, legislative journals, and other materials funded by the King in Right of Prince Edward Island.
- Quebec: The equivalent authority is known as the Québec Official Publisher (L'Éditeur officiel du Québec).
Territorial Printers
The territories utilize slightly different naming conventions for their official printers:
- Northwest Territories: Known as the Territorial Printer.
- Nunavut: Known as the Nunavut Official Editor/Territorial Printer.
- Yukon: Established in 1976, the King's Printer serves as the legislative printer, comptroller of stationery, and publisher of The Yukon Gazette and Legislative Assembly proceedings.
Key Facts
- Crown Copyright: Many provincial King's Printers (such as those in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan) manage the government's intellectual property rights.
- Official Gazettes: Almost every jurisdiction maintains an official Gazette to publish legal notices and new regulations.
- Appointment: Appointments are typically made by the Sovereign, the Lieutenant Governor, or a designated Minister.
- Public Access: Materials are distributed through libraries, official bookstores, and digital platforms.
| Jurisdiction | Official Title/Agency | Key Publication |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | King's Printer for Canada | Federal Legislation |
| Alberta | Alberta King's Printer | Alberta Gazette |
| British Columbia | King's Printer and Comptroller of Stationery | British Columbia Gazette |
| Manitoba | King's Printer for Manitoba | Manitoba Gazette / CCSM |
| Saskatchewan | Office of the King's Printer | Saskatchewan Gazette |
| Ontario | King's Printer for Ontario | Ontario Gazette |
| Quebec | Québec Official Publisher | Official Publications |
| Yukon | King's Printer | Yukon Gazette |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the King's Printer?
The King's Printer is responsible for the official printing and publishing of government legislation, regulations, and official gazettes to ensure the public has access to current laws.
What is Crown copyright?
Crown copyright refers to the intellectual property rights held by the government. In several provinces, the King's Printer is the designated administrator of these copyrights.
How are the King's Printers appointed?
Appointment methods vary; some are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor (such as in Alberta, New Brunswick, and PEI), while others are appointed by a Minister (such as in Newfoundland and Labrador).
Does every Canadian jurisdiction use the title "King's Printer"?
No. For example, Quebec uses the "Québec Official Publisher," and the Northwest Territories and Nunavut use the term "Territorial Printer."
Where can the public find official government publications?
Depending on the province, publications are available via the internet, public libraries, and dedicated government bookstores, such as Crown Publications in British Columbia or the bookstore in Edmonton for Alberta.