VICTORIA, July 18, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Victoria) David Anderson, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $42,348 in funding for Canadian First Book Fairs. The funds will enable this joint venture by four Canadian publishers to continue promoting children's books written and illustrated by Canadians."I really want to congratulate these publishers, who have introduced us to the creativity of Canadian authors by organizing no fewer than 400 school book fairs over the past two years," said Mr. Anderson. "I encourage them to continue their efforts to reach more and more young readers.""I am delighted to support this initiative, which clearly demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to providing Canadians of all ages with access to Canadian works," added Minister Frulla. "For young students, these fairs are stimulating places to meet and to discover literature."Canadian First Book Fairs is a joint venture formed by Orca Book Publishers, Heritage House Publishing, Formac Publishing and Lobster Press. This year, it plans to diversify its approach by offering community book fairs and an on-line reading club, along with its traditional school book fairs.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 increases the capacity of the Canadian-owned and -controlled sector of the industry to publish and market Canadian literary works, both domestically and internationally.Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal Budget. Information:Jean-François Del TorchioPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Lynne HendersonExecutive AssistantOffice of David Anderson, M.P.(250) 363-3600Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
