FREDERICTON, March 14, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veteran's Affairs and Member of Parliament (New Brunswick Southwest), today announced funding of $35,858 for Bouton d'or Acadie. This funding will help the publishing house expand its promotional activities and reach new markets, as well as to 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 a publisher who produces and promotes works by Acadian authors among young Francophones from the province and elsewhere," added Minister Thompson. "This is a great way to promote the cultural vitality of the region and the country."
"Located in a minority environment, Bouton d'or Acadie must meet many challenges such as a lack of staff and a shortage of means for publishing and distribution. This points to the importance of and the need for government financing for a publishing house such as ours," said Marguerite Maillet, editor and owner of Bouton d'or Acadie.
Canada's New Government has provided funding under the Aid to Publishers and the Supply Chain Initiative components of the Book Publishing Industry Development Program. This Department of Canadian Heritage program 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 Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
819 997-7788
Gerald A. Lefebvre
Communications Director
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament (New Brunswick Southwest)
613 996-4649
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
