French-language publisher in Ontario city earns provincial funding

The Ontario government is supporting a small French-language publishing house based in Oshawa with two small grants totalling $14,600.

Les Éditions Terre d’Accueil, established by Suzanne Kemenang in 2018, publishes authors from immigrant backgrounds living in Canada with a goal of strengthening French-language literature in Canada with stories and words from those from elsewhere.

Terre d’Accueil will receive $14,600 through two funding streams of Ontario Creates, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, to showcase and promote Ontario’s book publishers in international markets.

The Ontario Creates Book Fund provides eligible Ontario companies with funding to participate in international activities that support company growth and produce measurable business and market development results. Primary activities supported include targeted sales trips and attendance at international market events.

“Ontario’s innovative book publishing sector does a wonderful job of supporting and championing exceptionally talented writers across all genres,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, when faced with threats to our economy and sovereignty, we must support developing homegrown talent and invest in programs that bring people together, tell our stories and foster pride in Canadian creativity and culture.”

With francophones publishers in Ontario constantly facing funding issues Kemenang was happy to receive the provincial funding.

“This support will enable us to promote our publications in international markets, redesign our website, and develop new communication tools to enhance the visibility of our activities,” she said. “Supporting a francophone publishing house in a minority setting reflects Ontario Creates’ mission to strengthen and promote arts and culture across the province and beyond.”