Hilroy issued an apology for the omission of Newfoundland and Cape Breton from the Canadian map on its glossy notebooks, sparking online criticism. The well-known pastel-colored paper exercise books from Hilroy feature a map of Canada on their covers, but the glossy versions failed to include these regions.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the company expressed regret for the mistake, attributing it to a production error. Hilroy acknowledged the error, halted book distribution, and initiated efforts to rectify the cover artwork.
ACCO Brands, the parent company of Hilroy, revealed that the flawed notebooks had been on shelves since the previous year, with the errors only recently drawing attention. The oversight triggered discussions on social media, with residents of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia voicing disappointment.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham responded sharply on Facebook, emphasizing the significance of their identity and history. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston also condemned the incomplete map, calling it “unacceptable” and instructing the education minister to provide the Hilroy makers with an accurate map including Cape Breton and Newfoundland.
Additionally, the map failed to depict Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off British Columbia’s coast. ACCO Brands assured that the omission would be addressed as part of their correction strategy.
Sean Cadigan, a history professor at Memorial University, highlighted the sensitivity surrounding Newfoundland’s inclusion in maps. He described the mistake as embarrassing for Hilroy, though he did not perceive any deliberate intent to offend.
The incident has stirred discussions about the historical importance of Newfoundland joining Canada in 1949 and the need for accurate representation.