Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Occasion of the Lieutenant Governor's BC Book Prizes Gala
Ottawa, April 25, 2009 - Canadian books provide us with access to diverse voices and stories that are an important part of our rich cultural heritage. Our Government is pleased to deliver programs that help create a stronger publishing industry in Canada. For example, the Book Publishing Industry Development Program helps provide access to books by Canadian authors. As well, our recently implemented National Translation Program for Book Publishing will provide Canadians with greater access to the cultural richness of the country's Anglophone and Francophone communities.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I congratulate all of this year's nominees and winners, and commend everyone involved with the 2009 BC Book Prizes. I applaud your efforts to recognize outstanding authors living in the province.
