By Andrew Richard Albanese, Editor-in-Chief
The Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP) is applauding the Canadian government’s Canada’s decision to permanently increase the Canada Book Fund by $5 million annually, and to boost support for the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA) by $20 million over three years. In a release, the Association of Canadian Publishers said the investments as outlined in Budget 2026 will “help Canadian-owned publishers bring more Canadian books to readers at home and abroad.”
In addition, the ACP also praised the government’s plan to launch “a free, national digital collection of Canadian books. “We look forward to working closely with Library and Archives Canada to structure a program that enhances the discoverability and affordability of books for all Canadians,” the release states, while ensuring that “creators and publishers are fairly remunerated” for their inclusion.
The increase will bring the Canada Book Fund’s total annual budget to roughly $43.4 million. Budget 2026 marks the first time in 25 years that the Canadian fund has seen a permanent increase, over which time inflation has eroded “purchasing power by approximately 72%,” ACP reps noted.
“These commitments recognize the essential role Canadian publishers play in our cultural and economic lives,” said Lisa Quinn, ACP President, in a statement. “A strong Canadian publishing industry is fundamental to our cultural sovereignty. It ensures that our stories are told, our voices are heard, our knowledge is shared, and our intellectual property remains in Canadian hands.”
At the same time, ACP officials said “significantly more investment” is needed as publishers face rising costs. “Printing, shipping, and digital production and marketing expenses have dramatically increased, while book prices have not kept pace with inflation, leaving publishers with untenable margins and less capacity to invest in new authors,” ACP reps maintain.
In addition, ACP continued its call for copyright reform that “includes addressing uncompensated copying in education, and the use of copyrighted books to train AI systems without rightsholders’ consent.”
“The announcements in Budget 2026 recognize the fundamental role publishers play in Canada’s economic and cultural landscapes,” ACP officials say. “Continued investment and a strong policy framework will be essential to ensuring that Canadian-owned publishers can grow, compete, and innovate while retaining control over the stories and ideas that comprise our cultural sovereignty.”
