Government of Canada Supports the Salon du Livre du Saguenay--Lac St-Jean
JONQUIÈRE, October 1st, 2004 -- Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament (Outremont) Jean-C. Lapierre, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla, today announced funding of $42,000 for the 40th and 41st editions of the Salon du livre du SaguenayÑLac St-Jean, or $21,000 for each of these annual events. This funding will enable the Salon to continue to offer the public a selection of activities featuring Canadian authors."I would like to congratulate the organizers of the Salon for the remarkable work they have done over the past 40 years," said Minister Lapierre. "Every year, the Salon attracts more than 20,000 visitors, who come to discover the works that have sprung from the imaginations of writers from this region and from every part of the country."
"Our government is firmly committed to ensuring that Canadians have access to books that truly reflect where we come from," added Minister Frulla. "I am very pleased to support this celebration of books, which is a perfect reflection of that commitment. I want to congratulate the Salon's organizers and volunteers for their determination to provide local readers with a venue where they can meet other book lovers and discover fascinating stories."
This year, the Salon expects to welcome some 140 Canadian writers. Public debates, roundtable discussions, interviews, book launches, poetry readings and a writers' feast are among the activities on the program. Thirty-five writers will also take advantage of the Salon to visit a large number of elementary schools and high schools, as well as to meet with CEGEP and university students.
The Department of Canadian Heritage is providing this funding for the next two editions of the Salon through the Aid to Industry and Associations component of the Book Publishing Industry Development Program. This program is marking its 25th anniversary this year.
Funding announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.
Information:
Donald Boulanger
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Irène Marcheterre
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport
(613) 991-0700
Myriam Brochu
Chief
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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