Major Programs of the Book and Periodical Council
Freedom to Read Week: Freedom to Read Week (www.freedomtoread.ca) was initiated by the Freedom of Expression Committee in 1984 and remains Canada’s only volunteer-run celebration of intellectual freedom. Celebrated across Canada, the week-long event promotes freedom of expression and access to Canadian books and magazines.
Book Summit Program: The Book Summit (www.booksummit.ca) is an annual day-long professional development conference held in June. The Summit presents a keynote speaker and hosts panel discussions and workshops which focus on current industry issues.
The Idea Exchange: The Idea Exchange series is a forum for the discussion of issues, trends and portents affecting creators and developers in all fields of publishing. The BPC presents speakers with informed views on topics of importance and encourages audience engagement in an open and inquiring environment.
Member Programs of the Book and Periodical Council
Freight and Distribution Plan: The BPC’s The Freight and Distribution Committee oversees the Publishing Industry Freight Plan, which the BPC introduced in 1982. This plan offers discounted shipping rates to bookstores and publishers across Canada. The committee also organizes educational seminars and offers a Corrugation Purchasing Plan for discounted prices on shipping materials.
Employee Benefits Program: The BPC office has run a Group Employee Health Benefits program for more than 25 years for the employees of its member associations.
Member Hub Program: The BPC holds four Member Hub meetings a year, including the Annual General Meeting. The BPC invites industry experts to Member Hub meetings to give presentations on current issues or updates on new initiatives.