Letter to Le Nouvelliste (August 18, 1957)

For the Attention of the Editor-in-Chief at Le Nouvelliste

Application for the Position of Reporter: Cover Letter

August 18, 1957

Dear Editor-in-Chief:

My name is Henriette Trépanier and I have been a faithful reader of Le Nouvelliste since I was a young child. It would be a dream come true to join your staff as a reporter. I have experience in the field, having served as a correspondent in La Tuque for the last six years.

I recognize that the field of journalism is undergoing rapid change. Women are progressively gaining both a voice and influence in society. Indeed, they are carving out a role for themselves in print media, and no longer feel the need to use a pen name when addressing the public. For example, my friend Jeanne L’Archevêque-Dugay recently published an article on family life in La Chronique de la Vallée.

Although they have long been relegated to the women’s page, female journalists are capable of doing much more. For instance, Claire Roy (who is supporting my application for the position of reporter) has shown herself to be just as skilled as her male counterparts.

The fact that Claire Roy’s daughter, Michelle Roy, was recently hired by Le Nouvelliste gives me hope that there is an even wider role for women to play in newspaper reporting.

In my opinion, the growing success of women in the field of journalism reflects the advancement of women across society. More and more, women are having their voices heard. I find inspiration in the example set by Janette Bertrand, a young woman who, like me, believes in the importance of women’s empowerment.

Black and white photograph of a nun sitting on a chair at the Ursuline Monastery. She is holding the hand of Michelle Roy, who is sitting on a bed to the nun’s right.

Michelle Roy at the Ursuline Monastery, with a nun celebrating her 100th birthday

Black and white photograph of an article published in Le Nouvelliste on May 10, 1962. The headline reads: “Michelle Roy Wins Pan-Canadian Poetry Contest.”

Article on Michelle Roy in Le Nouvelliste

The removal, in 1954, of the double standard applied to legal separation in cases of adultery reduced (but did not entirely eliminate) inequality between spouses. It provides hope for women’s liberation.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the position of reporter at your organization.

Yours sincerely,

Henriette Trépanier

Letter from Henriette in La Tuque to Claire Roy (June 2, 1952) Letter from Brigitte in Wisconsin to Henriette (March 24, 1974)