Relationshipsthe oldest cultural magazine in Quebec, has “temporarily suspended” its subscriptions. A letter signed by Peter Bisson, chairman of its board of directors, was sent to readers wishing to subscribe and renew their subscriptions. “Given the many uncertainties that persist,” it reads, “we have agreed, after deliberation, to return your cheque to you.”
“This refund does not in any way mean that the review Relationships ceases its activities definitively,” the communication continues. “We are considering various options to ensure its profitability and sustainability (format, number of issues, sections, etc.). Since we cannot yet confirm which options will be preferred and, above all, whether you will like them, we prefer to let you choose, in due course, whether you wish to [sic] still continue to read us or not.
Founded by the Jesuits in 1941, the magazine Relationships is a true institution of Quebec magazines. The only one National Actionpublished since 1917, is older. In 2023, it was among the best-selling cultural magazines promoted by the Société de développement des époquets culturels québécois (SODEP).
“Any questions about a subscription or refund request are now forwarded to the general management of the Centre justice et foi,” confirmed Hélène Hotton of SODEP. “Our subscription manager has received a lot of calls regarding Relationships “, the general director continues. “We reassure, we listen, we report the message from management: that the magazine is on hold and that we do not know if and when it will return.”
“Subscriptions are suspended on our website, but single issues can still be purchased at our offices while they last.”
Since the Jesuit Relations
The magazine, which was well-regarded and had a good reputation, had a title that directly evoked the Jesuit Relationsthis set of annual reports sent to France between 1632 and 1672 and written by Jesuit missionaries in Canada
Relationships was, in fact, until last spring, historically supported by the works of this religious order. At the end of March, the board of directors laid off all employees who were not on sick leave, as well as those of the Centre justice et foi, which oversees the magazine.
A move that interrupted the 83 years of publication of Relationships. And which seems to have already undermined its funding: open data from the Government of Canada shows that, for 2024, the journal did not receive any money from the Aid to Publishers component of the Canada Periodical Fund. A grant that in 2023 gave a base of $67,969 to Relationships.
“We maintain our objective of relaunching the journal Relationships in the fall of 2024,” reiterated Peter Bisson in response to the Duty. “Our goal is to ensure financial and operational stability while remaining true to our mission.”
“Ensuring viability”
“The Board of Directors is actively working to ensure the financial viability of Relationshipsand securing the necessary grants is a crucial part of that effort,” the magazine’s chairman continued. “We remain committed to supporting the magazine’s revival and long-term viability.”
“Our actions are not intended to diminish the impact of the Centre justice et foi, but to ensure its viability,” continued Mr. Bisson. “We are determined to preserve its integrity and purpose, and the strategic measures we are currently taking will help us achieve these objectives.”
According to Hélène Hotton of SODEP, the hardest part is yet to come – and soon – for the magazine Relationships : the period of renewals made by libraries. “They risk removing the journal from their purchasing list, which would remove an important source of autonomous income. Not to mention the important link that institutions represent in the chain of influence, visibility, awareness.”