FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (September 2, 2022)—The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Sahagian as Executive Director effective September 7, 2022. Sarah has been appointed to this role following an extensive recruitment and interview process informed by the objectives of the current strategic plan, staff, stakeholder and member consultation, and in anticipation of the direction and needs of the CCBC as a leader in the Canadian children’s book ecosystem.

“Sarah will bring fresh energy, enthusiasm and considerable experience to the ED role at the CCBC. I look forward to working with her,” says Zain Velji, President of the CCBC’s Board of Directors. 

Sarah comes to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre from a five-year role as the inaugural Executive Director of the Speech and Debate Canada Foundation. She brings integrated skills and experience in communication, strategic planning, fundraising and management through the key lenses of inclusion and collaboration. Sarah is a writer and podcaster whose book reviews, opinion pieces and podcasts have appeared in such outlets as The Washington Post, Toronto Star, National Post, and Frequency Podcast Network. She is also a published young adult author. 

Sarah graduated from the London School of Economics, Gender Institute with a Master of Science degree in Gender Studies, advancing her knowledge gained at Queen’s University where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Gender Studies.

Sarah lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Canadian Children’s Book Centre,” says Sarah Sahagian. “As a book lover, it is my privilege to work with a team of people who believe Canadian readers should have access to high-quality Canadian young adult and children’s literature. The CCBC has a long and impactful history of encouraging Canadian children to develop a love of reading. I am excited to continue that important work. I also look forward to collaborating with this community as we find new ways to spread a deep love of Canadian children’s literature. This role is truly my dream job”.

View the PDF version of this press release here.

For more information, please contact info@bookcentre.ca.

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About the Canadian Children’s Book Centre

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing, illustrating and publishing of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers. Visit bookcentre.ca. 

OTTAWA, Ontario —Today, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 85 new appointments to the Order of Canada and 4 promotions within the Order.

The new appointees include 1 Companion (C.C.), 13 Officers (O.C.) and 71 Members (C.M.). As well, 3 individuals were promoted from Officer to Companion, and 1 Member was promoted to Officer.

Margie Wolfe (Toronto, Ontario) was appointed a member of the Order of Canada for her dedication as a leading publisher, feminist and social justice advocate in Canada’s literary industry who champions inclusive and diverse publications.

Margie Wolfe has worked in feminist book publishing for forty years. She has written Women’s Studies guides and co-edited several book collections including Still Ain’t Satisfied: Canadian Feminism Today, No Safe Place: Violence Against Women and Children, Found Treasures: Stories by Yiddish Women Writers, and From Memory to Transformation: Jewish Women’s Voices. She co-wrote the children’s picture book The Promise, which tells the story of her mother and aunt’s survival in Auschwitz during the Holocaust, with her cousin Pnina Bat Zvi. She and three other women founded Second Story Feminist Press in 1988.

The list of appointees, with short citations, can be found here.

They will be presented with their insignia at future investiture ceremonies (dates to be determined).

The Order of Canada was created in 1967, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to honour people whose service shapes our society, whose innovations ignite our imaginations, and whose compassion unites our communities. 

Quote 

“The Order of Canada celebrates the lives, endeavours and successes of people from coast to coast to coast and from all walks of life. Those being appointed today come from a variety of sectors, have achieved national and international success, and have shown ingenuity, innovation and generosity. What’s more, they have made a difference in their communities and for Canada with their outstanding dedication and commitment. Congratulations to the new Order of Canada appointees, as well as those celebrating a promotion within the Order.”

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to become part of the team as the full time Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Marketing and Communications Coordinator is responsible for developing, establishing and maintaining marketing strategies to meet the Canadian Children’s Book Centre objectives through effective coordination of the marketing, advertising and promotional activities of the organization. This is a hybrid position with a minimum of two days a week in office.

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is a national, not- for-profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing, illustrating and publishing of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers.

At the heart of our work at the Canadian Children’s Book Centre is our love for the books that get published in Canada each year, and our commitment to raising awareness of the quality and variety of Canadian books for young readers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement marketing plans (both traditional and online) and enhancements for new and existing products and services. 

• Maintain and develop engaging content for the CCBC’s social media accounts 

• Responsible for the maintenance of CCBC websites and for the enhancement of the CCBC’s online marketing presence (educator newsletter, CCBC Events page, social media accounts).

• Develop content and design of house ads for CCBC publications

• Representing CCBC both online, via our social media accounts, and in person at conferences and events.

• Keeping current with new developments in web technology and online marketing/sales opportunities.

• Working with webmaster on maintenance and development of website, and assisting with website upgrades as necessary.

• Assisting authors and illustrators with their online promotion efforts via the CCBC’s Author, Illustrator and Storyteller Directory (to be launched in late 2022)

• Writing and distributing press releases, as well as writing content for CCBC website.

• Liaising with media and advertising contacts, as well as exploring new advertising venues.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated skill in communicating clearly and concisely in written and verbal form.

• Exceptional writing and copyediting skills to prepare in-house publications, reports, applications, press releases and other marketing material.

• Able to work closely with others internally and externally in a highly collaborative and member service-oriented manner.

• Positive, resourceful, and organized personality with exceptional people skills.

• Able to remain composed and focused while juggling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.

• Flexible and innovative to respond to changing needs.

• Self-directed with the ability to work independently and as a team player.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Good problem-solving, decision making and critical thinking skills. 

• Demonstrated skill in contributing effort and ideas that assist the CCBC in accomplishing its goals and objectives.

• Excellent relationship building skills with the ability to liaise with authors, illustrators, booksellers, publishers, teachers, librarians, the public and CCBC members and sponsors at CCBC events and conferences.

• Tact and diplomacy as appropriate to public relations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum two years’ experience in marketing and website management, preferably in book publishing.

• Experience developing and maintaining traditional and digital marketing strategies to meet organizational objectives.

• Demonstrated expertise with Apple hardware and software
• Experience in website maintenance and content management.
• Knowledge of basic website languages and tools (HTML, CSS and WordPress).
• Knowledge of social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Hootsuite
• Experience with any or all of the following: Canva, Photoshop, InDesign
• French proficiency would be an asset. 

APPLICATION

Candidates are invited to apply electronically by submitting a cover letter and resume in Word or PDF format to info@bookcentre.ca  no later than 5:00 pm on July 22, 2022.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviewees should prepare a portfolio of design work in advance. In accordance with the PIPEDA personal information will be used strictly for candidate selection.

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and accessibility within the workplace. Accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required. Applicants are asked to make their needs known in advance. Any information relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidential

Compensation:

Annual Salary Range: $46,838 – $54,785 with a competitive benefits package.

The Writers’ Guild of Alberta is pleased to announce the winner of the 2022 R. Ross Annett Award for Children’s Literature, part of the 2022 Alberta Literary Awards. This year’s award winners were announced at and in-person gala in Edmonton on June 11th. The City of Calgary W.O. Mitchell Book Prize will be presented at The Calgary Awards on June 15th.

This celebration marks the 40^th anniversary of the Alberta Literary Awards and brought together writers from across Alberta.The Alberta Literary Awards were created by the Writers’ Guild of Alberta in 1982 to recognize excellence in writing by Alberta authors. 

The Writers’ Guild of Alberta is the largest provincial writers’ organization in Canada, and was formed in 1980 to provide a meeting ground and collective voice for the writers of the province. Our mission is to inspire, connect, support, encourage, and promote writers and writing, to safeguard the freedom to write and read, and to advocate for the well-being of writers.

For more information, please contact the Writers’ Guild of Alberta by email at mail@writersguild.ca, or visit writersguild.ca.

Our juries deliberated on more than 300 submissions to select winners. Finalists represent excellence in literary work written by Alberta authors and published or created in 2020-21. 

The 2022 Alberta Literary Awards Winners

R. Ross Annett Award for Children’s Literature
(Sponsored by the Under the Arch Youth Foundation at The Calgary Foundation)

• Lorna Schultz Nicholson (Edmonton) – When You Least Expect It, Red Deer Press

The 2022 Alberta Literary Award Sponsors and Supporters  
The Writers’ Guild of Alberta gratefully acknowledges the supporters and sponsors of our 2022 Alberta Literary Awards:
Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society
Stephan V. Benediktson
Vivian Hansen 
The Haynes Family – In Memory of Dr. Sterling Haynes
Marilyn and Bob Stallworthy
Under the Arch Youth Foundation (at The Calgary Foundation)

Who gets published in Canada?

A new author census continues the conversation on diversity in the publishing industry.

Representation, recognition, identity all factor in literary careers.

TORONTO, June 7, 2022 — The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) has released Diversity in Canadian Writing: A 2020-2021 Snapshot, a report with key findings from a community survey of nearly 600 literary authors in English Canada. Intended as a snapshot of the industry and the continuation of an important discussion, the report analyzes both demographic patterns and write-in responses on the state of diversity and equity in Canadian publishing from 2020–2021. TWUC thanks all publishers, industry organizations, and authors who contributed to the survey.

The report found that authors who identified as BIPOC, LGBTQ2+, and/or disabled reported they have encountered greater barriers in their careers than authors from dominant demographic groups, working harder than others to get the same treatment, being excluded from work or networking events, and losing out on opportunities to those less qualified. While BIPOC authors were found to have received proportionally greater recognition in award shortlists and literary festivals, they had lesser representation overall in titles published. Authors from non-dominant groups also reported fewer active years in the industry.

The report lays out seven key recommendations, such as ensuring greater diversity in publishing gatekeepers and decision makers, mandating diversity training for publishing house staff, and increasing support for small presses.

About The Writers’ Union of Canada

The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC) is the national organization of professionally published writers. Over 2,600 members strong, TWUC advocates on behalf of writers’ collective interests, and delivers value to members through advocacy, community, and information. Learn more at writersunion.ca.

For additional information, contact:

Rhea Tregebov, Chair
The Writers’ Union of Canada
chair@writersunion.ca

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The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to serve on the Board of Directors.

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is a national, not- for-profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing, illustrating and publishing of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers.

At the heart of our work at the Canadian Children’s Book Centre is our love for the books that get published in Canada each year, and our commitment to raising awareness of the quality and variety of Canadian books for young readers.

The Board is seeking an individual with an accounting designation in Canada to act as the Board’s Treasurer as a member of the CCBC’s Board of Directors.

Authority and Responsibility

The Board shall provide governance and oversight of the activities and affairs of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre as per the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. 

Qualifications

• A strong belief and passion in and commitment to the mission and goals of the CCBC.
• A background in accounting, and/or fundraising strongly preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Able to commit to giving time and energy to the organization.
• Previous governance experience preferred, but not necessary. 
• As our ongoing mission to regional diversity, we encourage candidates from Northern Canada (Nunavut, Yukon, Northwest Territories)/Rural areas/Quebec/British Columbia areas.

Requirements

Every Director shall be an individual who is:

• Eighteen (18) years of age,
• a member or, within thirty (30) days of notice from the Board, becomes a member of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

Term 

Directors shall be elected at an annual general meeting in accordance with the terms of the CCBC’s By-laws. Each Director shall be elected for an initial term of 3 years. Each Director is eligible for election for a further consecutive term of 3 years.

General Responsibilities

The Treasurer of the Board of Directors oversee matters of finance.

The Treasurer must:

1. Monitor budgets and recommend to the Board approval of budgets and quarterly financial statements,

2. Work with the Executive Director and the Auditors to prepare the annual financial statements for the Board’s approval and receipt of the CCBC membership

3. Provide ongoing financial policy and procedures advice to the Executive Director and Board.

4. Act as a co-signing authority when required. 

5. Participate on committees as necessary.

Time Commitment

• Six to Eight Board Meetings annually,
• There are no standing Committees; however, ad hoc Committees are established when required,
• Travel is not required as most activities are done remotely.
• 3-4 hours a month.

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible environment that is reflective of our membership and communities.  We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds. Accommodations will be provided in all parts of the appointment process as required. Applicants are asked to make their needs known in advance. Any information relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

APPLICATION

Candidates are invited to apply electronically by submitting a cover letter and resume in Word or PDF format to rose@bookcentre.ca.