Canada's literary excellence in spotlight at Havana International Book Fair
News Release
February 1, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
As part of the celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation, Canada accepted Cuba’s invitation to be the guest country of honour at the Havana International Book Fair on February 9 to 19, 2017. This annual book fair is considered to be Cuba’s premier cultural event at this time of the year, with more than 600,000 attendees.
The Embassy of Canada to Cuba, in Havana, and partners Canadian Heritage, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Quebec, the National Film Board of Canada, Livres Canada Books and Sherritt International are supporting a Canadian pavilion at the book fair to display the diversity of Canada’s literary and artistic talent.
From Canada, more than 30 authors—among them Margaret Atwood, Madeleine Thien, Luc Chartrand and Jocelyne Saucier—and 18 book publishers will attend the event.
On February 9, Patrick Parisot, Canada’s Ambassador to Cuba, will speak at the official opening ceremony of the book fair. As a highlight of being the guest country of honour, Canadian cultural performers will be on display in a nationally televised opening ceremony.
On February 10, the Honourable George J. Furey, Speaker of the Senate, will preside over the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the opening of the Canadian pavilion. A concert that evening will feature The Jerry Cans, a dynamic musical group from Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Between February 11 and 13, Christine St-Pierre, Quebec’s Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, will lead a delegation of Quebec artists, authors and publishers who will highlight the province’s authors and literature.
The Havana International Book Fair is one of Canada’s first major events on the world stage as our network of diplomatic missions showcases Canada’s culture and creativity in the context of Canada's 150th Anniversary of Confederation.
Quotes
“As we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Confederation, this book fair is an opportunity to showcase Canadian literature and culture, promote artistic expression and reflect on the significant creative capital we have to share with the world.”
- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs
“It is an honour for us to present the dynamism and skills of Quebec artisans at the Havana International Book Fair and to share our words, stories and originality with our partners and friends in Cuba, who—like us—are very proud of their culture.”
- Christine St-Pierre, Quebec’s Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie
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Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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