Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Winnipeg International Writers Festival
WINNIPEG, September 29, 2003 -- Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, Regional Minister for Manitoba and Member of Parliament (Winnipeg North St. Paul), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $31,943 for the Winnipeg International Writers Festival. This funding enabled festival organizers to create opportunities to promote Canadian writers."The Government of Canada is pleased to have supported this festival ", said Minister Pagtakhan. "This support is an excellent example of our commitment to ensuring that readers here and abroad have access to a wide variety of books by Canadian writers, and in both official languages."
The Winnipeg International Writers Festival organized a series of lectures and book launches that raised the profile of Canadian writers among their readers. It also fostered the writers' professional development through a series of discussion groups, workshops, and seminars.
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 (BPIDP). This program aims 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 for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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