Canada's New Government Ensures Delivery of Periodicals for All Canadians
OTTAWA, December 13, 2006 - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, today confirmed that Canada Post will maintain its $15 million contribution to support Canadian magazines and community newspapers through the Publications Assistance Program beyond April 1, 2007."Mine is a rural riding served by several community newspapers. I know how important these and other publications are to the life of our communities," said Minister Oda. "Government support for the delivery of magazines and newspapers has been a longstanding tradition in Canada, stretching back to 1849. The postal system is important to their distribution.
Working with her colleague Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Minister Oda said it was important to ensure that Canada Post continues to fund the Publications Assistance Program.
"Today, Canada's New Government directed Canada Post to continue its support of this program until 2009," said Minister Oda. "I am pleased to have been able to work productively with Minister Cannon on resolving this issue."
The Publications Assistance Program, administered by Canadian Heritage in cooperation with Canada Post Corporation, subsidizes mailing costs of over 1200 Canadian magazines and non-daily newspapers.
During the period of funding stability for Canadian periodical publishers resulting from this action, the Department of Canadian Heritage will examine its current periodical policies and programs to arrive at long-term solutions.
Information:
Chisholm Pothier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief,
Media Relations Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
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