The Association of Book Publishers of B.C. (Books BC) is celebrating the news that the provincial Book Publishing Tax Credit is to be made permanent effective March 31, 2026.
First introduced in 2003, the Book Publishing Tax Credit has played a crucial role in ensuring the survival and fostering the growth of British Columbia’s vibrant, world-class publishing sector. With the removal of the “sunset clause,” the tax credit becomes a permanent support, allowing publishers to navigate supply-chain challenges, maintain competitiveness with out-of-province firms, and capitalize their operations based on predictable funding.
This decision follows the removal in recent years of the sunset clause from both the Film and Television Tax Credit and the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.
“Books BC has effectively been advocating for the renewal of the Book Publishing Tax Credit for twenty years,” Executive Director Matea Kulić said. “Today we wish to express our appreciation to the Government of B.C. for being responsive to the needs and concerns of our members by making this crucial support permanent. All British Columbians benefit from a thriving local book publishing industry that reflects their stories and culture back to them, and contributes to a stronger creative economy. It ensures that the hundreds of local authors, illustrators, and contractors employed by the book industry remain supported here in B.C.”
Quotes:
Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“Our government is pleased to make the Book Publishing Tax Credit permanent, strengthening the foundation of our entire creative ecosystem. This long-term, stable support gives B.C. publishers the confidence to invest in new voices and bold ideas, while ensuring local authors can continue to share stories that reflect the richness of our province. By securing this credit for the future, we’re helping to build a vibrant, sustainable book sector that nurtures talent, fuels creativity and delivers more made‑in‑B.C. books to readers everywhere.”
Andrew Wooldridge and Ruth Linka, Orca Book Publishers—
“B.C. publishers don’t just make books; we support local creators, tell B.C. stories and get Canadian books into readers’ hands—at home and around the world. By removing the Book Publishing Tax Credit’s expiration date, this government is backing a vibrant, resilient publishing industry for the long term and putting us on an equal footing with other jurisdictions.”
Rob Sanders, CEO and Founding Publisher of Greystone Books—
“Making this program permanent provides us with assurance that we can continue to take bold steps in publishing high-profile BC authors around the world. Permanency contributes significantly to preserving the company for a new generation of employees and content creators who will take Greystone into the future.”
Kevin Williams, Publisher of Talonbooks—
“The tax credit enables businesses to plan confidently for the long term, even during difficult and uncertain periods. It’s not only an essential part of the business model for B.C. publishers, but also facilitates generational change within the industry. By providing ongoing support, it helps ensure that new voices and leadership can emerge, strengthening the sector for years to come.”
Anna Comfort O’Keeffe, Publisher of Douglas and McIntyre—
“As publishers dedicated to working with authors in B.C. and Canada, we welcome the Book Publishing Tax Credit as a crucial investment in our industry. A thriving book industry means a richer cultural landscape and a stronger economy for all British Columbians.”
Download the press release here