The Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP) is pleased to see initiatives related to book publishing within the Government of Canada’s Creative Canada Policy Framework, which was released by Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly last week. Support for an effective and well-functioning copyright regime and continued support for the marketing and distribution of Canadian books through the Canada Book Fund (CBF) are among the commitments made by the Minister.
In addition, the implementation of the Creative Export Strategy, with $125 million committed over five years, will bring Canadian culture to audiences around the world. Canadian publishers welcome this investment and look forward to expanding their presence in international markets, and to showcasing the work of Canadian writers on the world stage. This will be a focus at the 2020 Frankfurt Book Fair, where Canada will be Guest of Honour.
ACP shares Minister Joly’s vision for a vibrant Canadian creative sector, but expresses concern that current funding levels are inadequate for publishers to deliver on the objectives outlined in the new framework. CBF is essential to the continued health and success of Canada’s domestic book publishing industry, and has supported publishers in their successful transition to the digital marketplace. The program has proven itself to be flexible and responsive to evolving markets, but has been challenged by a budget that has remained static since 2001. In real terms its value has declined by more than 30% over this period, and without new investment, it will be difficult for the program to do more with less as the plans for modernization described in the framework are developed. We reiterate our call for increased investment in the CBF to ensure that Canadian publishers remain competitive, and that Canadian readers continue to enjoy access to a wide range of Canadian books in their format of choice.
The release of the Creative Canada Policy Framework coincided with news of Netflix’s plans to invest $500 million over five years in Canadian productions. Given the negative outcomes stemming from foreign investment experienced by the Canadian book sector over the past decade, ACP raises concern over the government’s plans to rely on foreign companies to support Canadian cultural production.
Details of Netflix’s investment are unclear at this time, and questions surrounding the net benefit this investment will bring to Canadians must be addressed. ACP asserts its belief that Canadian ownership in the creative industries must be at the heart of our cultural policy, and calls on the government to re-examine the role of foreign investment in the Creative Canada Policy Framework.