This paper traces the development of the National Library of Canada's newspaper collection in conjunction with the Decentralized Program for Canadian Newspapers. The paper also presents a sampling from the collection in order to illustrate the rich variety of the press that has followed in the footsteps of Fleury Mesplet, one of the first printers of newspapers in North America. Highlights include: the history of newspaper publishing in Canada from 1752 to 1858; responsibilities of the National Library of Canada newspaper collection and preservation program; and achievements at the national and regional levels, including creation online of "The Union List of Canadian Newspapers." Special types of newspapers collected are described, including: special issues of Canadian newspapers such as Christmas/holiday issues, carnival issues, and souvenir issues; labor and alternative press newspapers; ethnic press newspapers; student press newspapers; and community press newspapers; and aboriginal newspapers. (Contains 18 references.) (Author/MES)