Charlie Hebdo demand high in Winnipeg, but supply nil

Winnipeggers hoping to get their hands on a copy of the latest Charlie Hebdo issue won't have much luck.

"I have called twice my supplier, even went higher up on the chain to see if we could get some but, since Charlie Hebdo was not in our selection of magazines … we will not be getting some of the few copies [coming to Canada]," said Gerard Boily, owner of A La Page bookstore in Winnipeg’s St. Boniface neighbourhood.

​"Although we have one of the largest [selection of French publications] in Manitoba, I believe, since we were not on the list, we are not receiving it."

The Paris-based satirical publication printed three million copies of its latest issue — rather than the normal run of 70,000 — and all sold out before dawn on Jan. 14, with scuffles at kiosks for the of the satirical newspaper.

The cover again features a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad. This time he is holding a sign that reads "Je suis Charlie," with a tear running down his cheek and a headline that reads “Tout est pardonne” (or “All is forgiven”).

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Boily, who has owned A La Page for 27 years, has never seen demand like this for a product.

“I think it's a piece of history, and I think people want to be part of it,” said Boily.

About 25 to 30 people have stopped in or called looking for a copy of the newspaper, he said, noting a popular French publication or book would typically sell about three copies a week.

“A few of my best customers have been asking for it. I would like to be able to sell one,” said Boily. “But, we are participating. We have in the window our ‘Je suis Charlie’ sign to show we are in solidarity with this whole movement.”

The copies are in demand at McNally Robinson, too.

“They are asking us if we know where it's available. They don't get philosophical about it they just want to see it. They are curious,” said Chris Hall, co-owner of McNally Robinson Booksellers.

“Or, they're motivated by this right we are brought up to believe: people are allowed to freedom of expression.”

Hall said he's waiting to find out if more copies will become available to his company.

Three million more copies of Charlie Hebdo — the first issue since last week's terrorist attack on its Paris office left 12 people dead — are set to be printed this week and some will make their way to Canada. But not many.

The Canadian distributor said 1,500 copies of the latest issue will be available in different parts of the country on Friday.

Louis-Philip Vermeersch, director of sales for LMPI, said that's that's up from the 100 issues that are usually delivered for distribution each week in Canada. Louis-Philip Vermeersch, director of sales for LMPI, says that's up from the 100 issues that are usually delivered for distribution each week.

Charlie Hebdo is usually only available in Quebec and one store in Toronto, but Vermeersch said distribution will be more widespread this time. Copies will be available at five Toronto stores as well as one in New Brunswick, one in Nova Scotia and a handful in Vancouver, in addition to the usual Quebec-based retailers.

Proceeds from the increased sales are going to victims' families.