Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, issued the following statement today in recognition of B.C. Book Day.

“Our government is proud to proclaim April 9, 2014, as the first B.C. Book Day in the province of British Columbia. Designating a specific day to celebrate books provides an opportunity for all British Columbians to reflect and celebrate the importance of books and literature in our society - as a means of cultural expression, knowledge transfer and enriching the lives of families and individuals.

“A healthy book industry is important to the educational, social, cultural and economic life of our province, and beyond.

“British Columbia’s book publishers, represented through the Association of Book Publishers of BC, have experienced tremendous change in both the retailing and production of books into the digital era. Our government is pleased to celebrate the fact that provincial print and electronic books can be found across the world bringing B.C. literature and culture to millions.

“Recognizing the importance of books to all of us, the BC Arts Council, government’s lead agency for arts development and funding, will invest $615,000 in British Columbia’s book publishers during 2014-15 - an increase of close to 12% over last year.

“On behalf of our government, it is my pleasure to recognize the significant contribution authors, publishers, librarians, booksellers and cultural workers are making to individuals and communities throughout the province."

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462