Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Presentation of the British Columbia Book Prizes

VANCOUVER, May 4, 2013 - The British Columbia Book Prizes celebrate the creative, diverse writers and publishers of British Columbia, as well as their contribution to the strength of Canada’s book publishing industry.

The awards have been organized every year since 1985 by the non-profit West Coast Book Prize Society, and the recipients are announced at the Lieutenant Governor’s B.C. Book Prizes Gala.

Our Government understands the importance of a strong and vibrant domestic book industry. By providing support through the Canada Book Fund, we are working to increase access to Canadian-authored books and contribute to Canada’s rich literary heritage. Every year, publishers supported by the program produce well over 6,000 new titles by more than 4,000 Canadian writers and translators.

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I congratulate all the award recipients and the finalists for this year’s British Columbia Book Prizes and commend them on their contribution to Canadian culture. I would also like to offer my thanks to the West Coast Book Prize Society for promoting and recognizing excellence in writing in Canada.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788