The Canadian book industry supply chain initiative: the inception and implementation of a new funding initiative for the Department of Canadian Heritage

During the late 1990s and early 2000s the Canadian book publishing industry was facing many challenges – most notably a crisis in and systemic problem with book returns. In response to entreaties from the book community to Parliament, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage commissioned research and sought input from the publishing community. It then released a report highlighting the precarious operational climate in the country for the production and sale of books. The report’s recommendations and responses by the Government of Canada led to a new funding initiative – the Canadian Book Industry Supply Chain Initiative (SCI). This research report documents the development and implementation of the SCI between government fiscal years 2002-2003 and 2007-2008; detailing how the new initiative improved and modernized the Canadian book supply chain. It also provides insight into the development, launch, and performance of the book supply chain agency for English-language Canada, BookNet Canada.