Spreading the free-market gospel to a new audience.

Since opening an office in Quebec last year, The Fraser Institute has been promoting its free-market ideology to a relatively new audience. To nudge the movement along, the think tank’s francophone cell has launched Perspectives, a quarterly that looks at policy issues within La Belle Province through Fraser's distinctly right-wing lens.

 “We haven’t been in this province before, chiefly for language issues, but also for the fact that the climate in Quebec was not as receptive to free market in the past,” says editor Tasha Kheiriddin.

Over the last six years, however, Quebec has become more open to having "less government" and "more economic freedom," says Kheiriddin, creating an auspicious time for Fraser to add its voice to the debate. Kheiriddin, who has an extensive background in politics and journalism, co-authored (with Adam Daifallah) her first book, Rescuing Canada’s Right: Blueprint for a Conservative Revolution, in 2005.

While members of the think tank drive editorial content, layout and design is handled by TVA Publications, Quebec’s largest magazine publisher. “As with any policy magazine, if you put it in a more visually appealing way, more people will read it,” Kheiriddin says of the partnership.

The initial print run of 5,000 was sent to supporters, libraries and professors interested in the subject. Subscriptions are available for $17 and limited newsstand copies will sell for $3.95.

The first issue unsurprisingly focuses on the economy, tackling subjects such as globalization, productivity and competition. It also carries an interview with Chairman of Bank of Montreal, L. Jacques Ménard, about his new book.

The next issue will be themed around the environment, a topic the publishers hope will increase ad revenue and, in turn, the scope of the magazine's reach through higher print-runs.

Related links

• The Fraser Institute
• Rescuing Canada's Right: Blueprint for a Conservative Revolution