The Province: A History of Vancouver's Influential Newspaper
Established in the late 19th century, The Province has played a pivotal role in the media landscape of Victoria and Vancouver. From its beginnings as a weekly publication to its evolution into one of British Columbia's most prominent daily news sources, the paper's journey reflects the broader shifts in the Canadian printing and journalism industries.
Early Years and Rapid Growth
The Province began its operations in Victoria in 1894 as a weekly newspaper. Its growth was swift; by 1903, a feature in the Pacific Monthly characterized the publication as both the youngest and the largest among Vancouver's significant newspapers.
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Ownership Shifts and Market Competition
The trajectory of the newspaper changed in 1923 when it was acquired by the Southam family. For several decades, The Province maintained a dominant position in the market, consistently ranking as the best-selling newspaper in Vancouver, surpassing competitors such as the Vancouver Sun and the News Herald.
However, this dominance was challenged in 1945 when the paper's printers initiated a strike. The labor dispute lasted six weeks and caused a significant loss in market share, at one point causing The Province to drop to third place in readership rankings.
The Transition to Pacific Press Limited
In 1957, a major corporate restructuring occurred. The Province and the Vancouver Sun were sold to Pacific Press Limited, a company jointly owned by both newspaper organizations.
Labor Unrest and the 1970 Strike
The relationship between management and labor reached a critical point in 1970. A strike by Pacific Press employees resulted in a total shutdown of both the Sun and The Province for three months. During this hiatus, the Vancouver Express stepped in to publish daily editions to fill the void in local news coverage.
The strike concluded on May 13, 1970. The resolution brought about significant changes for the workforce, including increased wages and the establishment of a trustee pension fund. This fund was governed by a board consisting of both union representatives and management.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1894 in Victoria as a weekly newspaper.
- Peak Performance: Once the best-selling newspaper in Vancouver, ahead of the Vancouver Sun and News Herald.
- Major Ownership: Purchased by the Southam family in 1923; later sold to Pacific Press Limited in 1957.
- Significant Disruptions: Major strikes occurred in 1945 and 1970.
- 1970 Resolution: Resulted in higher pay and a joint management-union pension board.
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1894 | Establishment | Launched as a weekly in Victoria. |
| 1923 | Southam Acquisition | Ownership transferred to the Southam family. |
| 1945 | Printers' Strike | Six-week shutdown; loss of market lead. |
| 1957 | Sale to Pacific Press | Joint ownership with the Vancouver Sun. |
| 1970 | Pacific Press Strike | Three-month shutdown; led to pension fund creation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The Province originally founded?
The Province was established in Victoria in 1894.
Who owned the newspaper starting in 1923?
The Southam family purchased The Province in 1923.
What happened to the paper's market share during the 1945 strike?
Due to a six-week strike by printers, the paper lost significant market share and fell to third place in Vancouver.
What was Pacific Press Limited?
Pacific Press Limited was a company jointly owned by The Province and the Vancouver Sun, which acquired both papers in 1957.
How was the 1970 strike resolved?
The strike ended on May 13, 1970, resulting in increased employee pay and the creation of a trustee pension fund managed by both union and management representatives.