Government of Canada Supports Children's Book Festival
TORONTO, May 11, 2005 -- Minister of State (Families and Caregivers) and Member of Parliament (Trinity-Spadina) Tony Ianno, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $60,000 in funding for International Readings at Harbourfront. The funds will enable the organization to hold the first annual ALOUD: A Celebration for Young Readers festival, from June 24 to 26, in Toronto."Opening a book means feeding our imagination and exciting our curiosity. It means meeting inspiring characters and entering a world where all dreams are possible," said Minister of State Ianno. "The ALOUD festival will give young and young at heart a chance to come together and discover all that literature from home and around the world has to offer."
"I am delighted to support this book celebration, which showcases the extraordinary wealth of Canadian and international children's literature," said Minister Frulla. "I wish to congratulate the organizers and volunteers of the festival, which gives our young readers a unique place to meet and discover literature."
The three-day ALOUD event will feature some 20 authors of children's books from across Canada and around the world. Authors will be able to reach young readers and their family members directly through a variety of activities.
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. This 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 and Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Renée Filiatrault
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Families and Caregivers)
(613) 992-2352
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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