Ming Pao Daily News Shuts Canadian Offices, Laying Off 60 Staff

The Chinese-language newspaper Ming Pao Daily News is permanently closing its offices in Canada, resulting in the layoff of 60 employees. This decision affects newsrooms located in Richmond, B.C., and Toronto, Ontario, as the publication cites financial difficulties as the primary reason for the closure.

According to a letter from Ming Pao Newspapers (Canada) addressed to the B.C. Labour Ministry, the layoffs will take effect on January 31, 2024. The letter, which was obtained by the Canadian Press, does not specify how many of the terminated employees are based in each city. An anonymous editor from the Toronto office indicated that the newspaper would stop printing both its Vancouver and Toronto editions as of January 17, 2024.

Launched in 1993, the Canadian editions of Ming Pao have served as a vital source of news for the Chinese-speaking community in Canada. The newspaper has garnered recognition for its journalistic efforts, including winning the B.C. Jack Webster Award for best reporting in Chinese in 2018. Established in Hong Kong in 1959, Ming Pao has received numerous accolades for its reporting and editorial standards.

As of now, the offices in Richmond, Toronto, and Hong Kong have not responded to requests for further comment regarding the closure. The decision marks a significant shift for the publication, which has played an essential role in connecting the Chinese community in Canada with news from their homeland and local affairs.

The impact of this closure extends beyond the loss of jobs; it raises concerns about the availability of Chinese-language media in Canada. With the diminishing presence of such publications, community members may find it increasingly challenging to access news that resonates with their cultural and linguistic needs.