The Certified Canadian Publisher seal helps book-lovers identify books published by Canadian-owned companies. While the majority of books sold in Canada are published by foreign-owned companies, Canadian-owned publishers produce the majority of books by Canadian authors. Located across the country, each Certified Canadian Publisher carefully selects the books it publishes based on its editorial vision and the needs of its community.

In a time when many Canadians are keen to keep their money in Canada, this seal makes it easier for you to do just that. Certified Canadian Publishers are companies that have met the professional standards of a national or regional publishing association, and are confirmed to be owned by Canadians.

By choosing a book from a Certified Canadian Publisher, you ensure these vital and diverse publishers can continue promoting work by Canada’s incredible creators.

Eligibility

ACP Members

ACP members in good standing automatically meet the eligibility criteria for the Certified Canadian Publisher program. To start the enrollment process, please contact admin@canbook.org.  

Non-members

In order to be eligible for the CCP program, you need not be an ACP member, but your company must meet the following criteria: 

• • Has its head office of business in Canada;
  • Is a Canadian-owned and -controlled corporation;
  • Has its managerial, editorial, and financial decisions made by Canadians;
  • Is a professional* book publishing firm;
  • Publishes original books by Canadian creators** as a dedicated and ongoing part of its business;
  • No more than 25% of books published are authored by principals or directors of the firm.

* “Professionalism” is understood to comprise activity involving the independent selection, editorial development and production of manuscripts; entry into contractual agreements with authors or copyright holders; marketing, sales and distribution of books published under the firm’s imprint; and an assumption of the majority of the financial risk and investment in pursuing these activities.

** “Creator” means an author, illustrator, translator or editor (in the case of an edited collection of material).

Publishers who are not ACP members must pay a yearly fee for access to the seal and digital assets. Fees are based on the size of the publisher calculated by number of full-time equivalent employees. Annual fee ranges for 2026 are as follows: 

The Certified Canadian Publisher program is made possible with the financial support of the Department of Canadian Heritage and Ontario Creates, and in partnership with Foreword Book Printing.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund (CBF).

Made possible with the support of Ontario Creates.