LONDON, Ontario, February 3, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Joe Preston, Member of Parliament (Elgin-Middlesex-London), today announced financial support of $17,966 to Brick Books. This support will enable the publisher 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 work by Canadian poets," added Mr. Preston. "I encourage Brick Books to continue offering Canadian readers a wide range of books with which they can identify.""Brick Books was founded in 1975 to publish new and established voices in Canadian poetry. We have participated in the Book Publishing Industry Development Program since 2002. We greatly appreciate the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage for our publishing program," said Kitty Lewis, General Manager of Brick Books.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, $12,966 was provided under the Program's Aid to Publishers component, and $5,000 was provided 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: Véronique BruneauPress Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women819 997-7788Donald BoulangerA/Chief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage819 994-9101
