May 27, 2008 * Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour [to Jan 2010]Details of a new program to support Island book publishers have been announced by Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. The program is directed at Island-based businesses whose primary activity is book publishing and who have a track record of producing quality Prince Edward Island publications. Funding amounts are based on the number of P.E.I. books published in the previous year with a maximum grant to any one publisher under the program of $10,000. “Island publishers play a vital role in the culture of the Island community by providing ways for Islanders to express themselves and communicate with one another,” said Ms. Bertram. “We have no shortage of Island authors who have stories and information to share, and this program will make it easier for publishers to bring quality manuscripts to the attention of readers in the province and around the world.” The deadline for applications for the 2008-2009 funding is 30 June 2008. Program guidelines and application forms can be found at the Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour website www.gov.pe.ca/go/bookpublishing or by contacting program manager, Claire Matheson at 902-368-4787. Media Contact: Claire Matheson