The Toronto Star Renews Its Covenant With Its Readers

"The sorry consequences of regulatory laxness that permitted a few to become fantastically rich will be borne by all of us over the next few years and most painfully during the next 12 months. While Canadians today remain typically upbeat about their ability to compete and thrive even in the most difficult circumstances, these will be trying times.

This city and this country will need its media to be at its best in 2009, praising what is great, critiquing what should be changed, finding fun and human value in everyday events to offset the strain of hard days.

The Star has always had a unique ability to rise to these kinds of challenges. Its journalistic strength has been built on the Atkinson principles - a commitment to look out for the little guy, to pursue social justice for all and to articulate the passion we all feel for our city and our country.

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The Star is the biggest newspaper in the country because it has a tradition of service to the largest constituency of Canadians. It has never seen itself as a vehicle for any particular class or clan or sect.

It speaks to the majority about the needs of minorities. It has always stood for an engaged, empowered citizenry in a strong, united Canada.

The changes at the Star in the days and months ahead will follow the pattern set out here. We will build on the foundations that have made the newspaper great and necessary.

We will listen to our readers and our employees, to our critics and our fans and we will act to make the Star even greater - great for the city, great for the country."