Government of Canada Supports the Association nationale des éditeurs de livres |
| MONTRÉAL, April 20, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister Responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced $154,970 in funding for the Association nationale des éditeurs de livres. Of this amount, $100,000 will help finance activities presented by the Association for World Book and Copyright Day in 2005 and 2006. "Books are works of art and also communication tools, sources of knowledge, guardians of our collective memory, and heritage treasures. They play an important role in our lives," said Minister Frulla. "I congratulate the Association nationale des éditeurs de livres, which fosters public awareness of the value of books and the contribution of writers and publishers to our society." The year 2005 marks the tenth anniversary of World Book and Copyright Day celebrations in Canada. More than 150 activities to promote reading in Quebec and French-speaking Canada are planned for this Day. UNESCO's World Book and Copyright Day will be held on Saturday, April 23, with some activities--especially those in schools--taking place on Friday, April 22. The remaining $54,970 in funding will allow the organization to provide professional training activities for its members. "Our Government is committed to equipping the publishing industry with the tools it needs to expand the presence of works by Canadian authors in our markets," said Minister Frulla. "By providing training, the Association nationale des éditeurs de livres will help our publishers face the challenges that arise at each stage of book publishing." The goal of the training provided this year by the Association is to increase the skills and know-how of the staff of Canadian publishing houses. The various formats of training available include group training and individual sessions. Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Aid to Industry and Associations component of its Book Publishing Industry Development Program. The program seeks to strengthen the capacity of the Canadian-owned and -controlled sector of the industry to publish and market Canadian books in both domestic and international markets. Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. Information: Jean-Philippe Côté Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage (819) 997-7788 Véronick Raymond Director of Public Affairs Canadian Heritage - Quebec Region (514) 283-7698 |
