Minister Copps Announces Contribution to Raincoast Book Distribution Ltd.
VANCOUVER, March 8, 2000 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced that Raincoast Book Distribution Ltd. would receive a contribution of $286,265 under the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP). The contribution is toward the development and enhancement of a web-based application for customer, sales representative and publisher inquiries in order to increase its efficiencies in distributing Canadian-authored titles by Canadian publishers."Raincoast is a great Canadian success story that all Canadians want to see continue," said Minister Copps. "Raincoast's distribution division is a vital link in the Canadian distribution network. You are making sure that stories by, and about Canadians get to their destination -- the bookshelves of homes, schools and libraries in Canada," the Minister told Raincoast staff as she announced the contribution.
The principal objective of the Book Publishing Industry Development Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage is to strengthen the capacity of the Canadian-owned and--controlled industry to publish and market Canadian books in both domestic and international markets. The program provides financial assistance through four funding initiatives: 1) aid to publishers; 2) aid to industry and associations; 3) distribution assistance; and 4) international marketing assistance.
For additional information on BPIDP, including eligibility criteria, consult the website, listed below, under Cultural Development -Books-Programs.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 1999 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Catherine Gagnaire
Communications Assistant
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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