Help on the way for local book, magazine publishers…

VICTORIA

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 | 5:12 pm

To help B.C.’s book and magazine publishers address immediate challenges and give the broader publishing industry the support it needs to thrive in the future, the Province is providing $600,000 over the next three years.

“In honour of BC Book Day, we celebrate our domestic publishing industry,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “B.C. has the second-largest English-language book publishing market in Canada. This industry is creative, innovative and diverse, and we are proud of the unique voices that are shared through the many B.C. publications. We are securing a stronger, more competitive future for these businesses, their workers and their products.”

This funding builds on supports already provided to the industry through the BC Arts Council, Creative BC and the book publishing tax credit, to provide immediate relief and promote success. The publishing industry is facing significant challenges due to ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Province will provide $200,000 to book publishers who are facing supply-chain challenges and rising costs related to printing, shipping and distribution. Over the next two years, the Province will provide $400,000 to book and magazine publishers to help them remain innovative, adaptive and competitive.

“Books and magazines are an essential means of cultural expression,” said Bob D’Eith, Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film. “Through publishers, authors share knowledge, experiences, stories and ideas. This supports community connections, education and literacy, and overall quality of life for people of all backgrounds. This government contribution will provide much-needed relief, now and for years to come.”

Publishers share the diverse and unique voices of the people living in British Columbia through hundreds of domestic publications. There are 46 award-winning publishers in B.C. and 250 magazine titles are produced each year. These publishers provide jobs, learning materials for classrooms and reading products for people in every neighbourhood.  

Written and released by BC Government