Canadian Heritage to Ease Impact of Previously Announced Reductions to the Publications Assistance Program |
| OTTAWA, August 31, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced that the Department of Canadian Heritage contribution to the Publications Assistance Program budget will be maintained at $49.4 million this year to enable Canadian publishers to complete reconfiguring their business plans in anticipation of the previously announced reductions. "I am pleased that we are maintaining our support of this important program for another year," said Minister Frulla. "The Government of Canada recognizes the need for readers in all regions of the country to have affordable access to a diversity of Canadian reading material." The Publications Assistance Program subsidizes the mailing costs of Canadian magazines and community newspapers to readers throughout Canada. Last year, it oversaw the delivery of more than 215 million copies of 1,200 Canadian magazines and community newspapers. These publications range from small arts magazines to news magazines and small weekly community newspapers; they also serve Canada's diverse linguistic and ethnocultural communities. In July 2003, it was announced that the Canadian Heritage portion of the budget for this program would be reduced from $49.4 million to $45.4 million in fiscal year 2005-2006. Today's announcement means that this reduction will be delayed until April 1, 2006. The Canadian periodicals industry receives more than $65 million from the Government of Canada for the production and distribution of a wide range of high-quality Canadian publications. Information: Jean-François Del Torchio Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Jean-Guy Beaupré Chief, Media Relations Canadian Heritage (819) 997-9314 |
