Guardian: Canada turns over new leaf and welcomes Amazon to its shores

[tuvor]

The Canadian government has given a green light for the US online bookstore Amazon to open a distribution centre north of the border – despite vehement opposition by local bookshops – in a case that became a key test of attitudes towards cultural protectionism and free trade.

Canada's heritage minister, James Moore, granted permission on Monday for Amazon to establish a physical presence in the country, on condition that the Seattle-based company takes special steps to promote Canadian literature.

Amazon has agreed to invest $20m (£13m) in cultural events, awards and the promotion of Canadian authors internationally. The company will increase the visibility of local content on its Canadian-focused website. It will stock more French-language content and will make Canadian books available on its Kindle reader.

"Amazon has shown its willingness to promote Canadian cultural products, and we are pleased it is continuing to demonstrate this through this new investment," said Moore.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/apr/13/amazon-canada-distribution-centre

[ZeitgeistObserver]

1. Most Canadians have been buying from them,

all along.