Statement by the Association des archivistes du Québec concerning the Musique Plus archives

Following the article in La Presse on March 15, 2025 about the archives of the former Musique Plus television station, the Association des archivistes du Québec wishes to express its deep concern about the preservation of this valuable documentation.

Musique Plus was an important vehicle for Quebec culture from the 1980s to the early 2000s. It has left its mark on Quebec's cultural history. It played a crucial role in promoting the music of that era, as well as many local artists. But above all, its archives are an important testimony to the society of those years, especially for a whole generation of young people.

The Musique Plus archives represent a priceless heritage that deserves to be preserved. Public authorities cannot stand idly by. Quebec must ensure that this wealth of history can be securely preserved (and properly conserved). Recordings of broadcasts, interviews and performances are precious witnesses to Quebec's cultural evolution. They also deserve to be disseminated and made accessible. They contain jewels of popular heritage from here and abroad.

The Association des archivistes du Québec urges the Minister of Culture to ensure that these archives are not eventually lost. We understand that Remstar has no intention of destroying these archives, but that they need help to ensure that they are preserved in suitable conditions. Wouldn't it be possible for Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) or Cinémathèque du Québec to quickly enter into some form of partnership to protect this precious audiovisual heritage?

The loss of this heritage would be an irreparable cultural tragedy.

Cynthia Viau-Mainville

President