FREDERICTON, March 14, 2007 - On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Mike Allen, Member of Parliament (Tobique-Mactaquac) today announced funding of $85,968 for Goose Lane Editions, Canada's oldest independent publisher. 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 this publisher's efforts to produce, promote, and distribute Canadian-authored books," added Mr. Allen. "I encourage Goose Lane Editions to continue offering Canadian readers a wide range of books with which they can identify."
"This program enables companies such as Goose Lane Editions to publish books by Canadian writers of particular importance to Canadian readers, regardless of where they live," said Susanne Alexander, publisher of Goose Lane Editions. "Without such a program, many significant books on Canadian subjects would not be available to readers in this country or elsewhere."
Canada's New Government has provided this funding under the Aid to Publishers and 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
Wendy Marr
Communications Assistant
Office of the Member of
Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac
506 325-1340
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
