The Canada Council for the Arts has announced that the Department of Canadian Heritage will contribute an additional $500,000 in 2005-2006 for the translation of works by Canadian authors. Under the Translation Grants Program, the Council provides financial assistance for the first translation of literary works written by Canadian authors. Translations must be into French, English or an Aboriginal language for publication in Canada. In addition to the supplementary funding for book translation, the Council will increase its investment in the promotion of translated works to enhance their visibility among readers in Canada. “This is wonderful news,” said Simon Brault, Vice-Chair of the Canada Council. “By doubling our translation budget, more Canadians will have a chance to read works that are published in Canada. Canadian literature will benefit from a new life and new audiences. This is a great way of encouraging and furthering the dialogue between the cultures.” “The international recognition that Canadian literature is experiencing is due as much to the originality of our authors as to the vitality of our publishers,” said Liza Frulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “This additional funding for the Canada Council for the Arts will help provide more Canadians with access to the works of Canadian writers in their language.” The announcement coincides with the designation, by UNESCO, of Montreal as World Book Capital from April 23, 2005 to April 22, 2006. “We should take advantage of this opportunity to discover and promote Canadian literature,” said Brault. The agreement between the Canada Council and Canadian Heritage will be in effect for 2005-2006, after which it will be assessed with the possibility of extension. In 2004-2005, the Council awarded grants totaling $500,000 for the translation of 71 Canadian books. The Canada Council for the Arts acknowledges the financial participation of the Department of Canadian Heritage, through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program. For further information, CLICK HERE