Ming Pao Daily News, a prominent Chinese-language newspaper, has announced the cessation of its Canadian operations, impacting 60 employees across its newsrooms in Richmond, British Columbia, and Toronto. The decision, attributed to 'financial reasons,' marks the end of a significant era for Chinese-language print media in Canada.
Operational Closure Details
A letter from Ming Pao Newspapers (Canada) to the B.C. Labour Ministry confirmed the permanent closure, citing 'financial reasons' for the decision. The final print editions for both the Vancouver and Toronto newspapers are scheduled for January 17, 2026. Subsequently, the effective date of termination for all 60 staff members is set for January 31, 2026, which will also be the final day of operations for Ming Pao Canada's video daily news.
Financial Context and Industry Trends
The closure comes amidst challenging financial conditions for the newspaper's parent company, Media Chinese International. Their annual report for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, indicated a 19.3 percent decline in North American turnover, with revenue shrinking from US$7.11 million to US$5.74 million. During this period, the North American publishing segment incurred a pre-tax loss of US$2.85 million. Industry observers point to the broader trend of advertising revenue migrating from traditional print and broadcast media to digital platforms, with major online entities like Google and Meta capturing a significant share of online advertising in Canada.
Legacy and Community Impact
Ming Pao's Canadian editions were launched in 1993, with the Toronto edition beginning in May and the Vancouver edition in October of the same year. The newspaper, an extension of the Hong Kong-based Ming Pao established in 1959, has been a significant source of news for the Chinese-Canadian community for over three decades. Its closure means that Ming Pao Canada was the country's last remaining daily Chinese-language print newspaper based in Hong Kong, following the earlier closure of the Sing Tao Daily Canadian edition in August 2022. Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat, a former city editor at Ming Pao, expressed her sentiments on Twitter, stating, 'Ming Pao was more than a newspaper' and that 'An era ends but the memories endure.'
5 Comments
Coccinella
A necessary evolution. Print media just isn't sustainable anymore.
Bermudez
Tragic loss for the Chinese-Canadian community. Where will they get their news now?
Kyle Broflovski
It's true that digital media is the future, and print struggles financially. However, losing a dedicated voice for the Chinese-Canadian community is a significant cultural blow that digital platforms don't always fill.
Eric Cartman
While the move to digital is a natural progression for news consumption, the closure of Ming Pao represents more than just a business failure. It signifies a loss of a specific cultural touchstone and a vital link for many in the Chinese diaspora.
Stan Marsh
Shameful. Google and Meta are killing real news.