BRIDGEWATER, Nova Scotia, July 22, 2011 – Two book publishers in Atlantic Canada will be able to hire additional staff and grow their businesses, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret’s), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Internships are important to the development of new book industry professionals. They allow interns to acquire valuable knowledge and experience related to publishing, which gives them the skills to pursue careers in the Canadian book industry. Internships also allow publishers to carry out new technology- and publishing-related initiatives.

“Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in important businesses like Acorn Press and MacIntyre Purcell Publishing,” said Minister Moore. “By supporting these businesses, our Government is delivering on its commitment to create new jobs, strengthen our communities, and support our arts, culture, and heritage.”

“It is essential for Canadians to receive specialized training and workplace experience,” said Mr. Keddy. “These investments in Canadian publishers will provide our communities with excellent industry professionals to further develop Canada’s already outstanding publishing industry.”

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $10,500 for Acorn Press and $14,625 for MacIntyre Purcell Publishing through the Support for Publishers funding stream of the Canada Book Fund (CBF). The principal objective of the CBF is to ensure access to a diverse range of Canadian-authored books in Canada and abroad. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by fostering a viable Canadian book industry that publishes and markets Canadian-authored books.