REGINA, January 18, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament (Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre), today announced funding of $61,760 for the Thunder Creek Publishing Co-operative Ltd. (Coteau Books). These funds will enable this organization to expand its promotional activities and reach new markets, as well as increase its financial viability.
"By supporting a Canadian publisher, Canada's New Government is helping our literature to flourish, ensuring that Canadians have access to high-quality books, and encouraging a wide audience for our culture at home and abroad," said Minister Oda.
"Our Government is pleased to support the efforts made by this publisher to produce, promote, and distribute Canadian-authored books," added Mr. Lukiwski. "I encourage Coteau Books to continue offering Canadian readers a wide range of books they can identify with."
"Coteau Books has a stellar Canada-wide reputation, receiving national award recognition, as well as many Saskatchewan Book Awards. We are very grateful for the assistance we receive from the Department of Canadian Heritage. It is an important contribution to our success," said Geoffrey Ursell, President of Thunder Creek Co-operative.
Canada's New Government has provided this funding under the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP) of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Of the amount announced, $56,760 was provided under the Program's Aid to Publishers component and $5,000 under its Supply Chain Initiative for Canada's book industry. BPIDP 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.
Information:
Chisholm Pothier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
