Government of Canada Supports Association for Export of Canadian Books (AECB)
MONTRÉAL, October 31, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla today announced $4.8 million in funding for the Association for the Export of Canadian Books (AECB). The funds will enable the AECB to continue to help Canadian book publishers penetrate international markets."Books represent 21 percent of all cultural property that Canada exports. We are delighted with the success that our authors and publishers achieve internationally," said Minister Frulla. "I congratulate members of the AECB on the work they do. They provide professionals in our book industry with substantial assistance so they can represent us abroad and better promote Canada's creativity and rich cultural diversity."
The AECB is a non-profit organization and the only national association in the book industry that helps Canadian book publishers develop and increase their sales in international markets. The AECB works in partnership with the Department of Canadian Heritage, other government departments and agencies, and Canadian publishers and industry associations to provide its members with financial assistance, logistical support at international forums, market information, professional development, and marketing tools.
Through the agreement it reached with the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP) of Canadian Heritage, the AECB will be able to give publishers $3.9 million in direct assistance. The AECB will distribute these funds through its own programs as follows:
$3,250,000 Export Marketing Assistance Program (EMAP)
$700,000 Foreign Rights Marketing Assistance Program (FRMAP)
$16,000 Export Expertise Development Fund (EEDF)
Financial assistance of $4.8 million is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Aid to Industry and Associations component of BPIDP. 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 for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
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
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