The Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP) is deeply troubled by the recent announcement that Sheridan College’s Creative Writing & Publishing (CW&P) program is being suspended as part of institutional “efficiency reviews.” This decision threatens to undermine a critical pathway for training future professionals in Canada’s publishing and literary arts sectors.

The CW&P program holds a unique role in offering formal, undergraduate-level training in publishing—the only program of its kind in Canada. For students aspiring to enter the highly competitive field of publishing, CW&P provides opportunities to gain industry knowledge, practical job skills, and meaningful work experience. Through its robust internship program, CW&P students contribute directly to the success of many independent publishers, as well as literary awards organizations, cultural non-profits, and more. The program’s alumni have gone on to secure positions across the cultural sector, strengthening Canada’s literary ecosystem. Furthermore, the CW&P program contributes significantly to the cultural vibrancy of its local community in Mississauga through initiatives like The Ampersand Review literary magazine and a newly launched literary festival. 

The impact of suspending this program will reverberate far beyond Sheridan College. Canadian publishing already struggles with a lack of diversity—ACP’s 2022 Diversity Baseline Survey showed that 75% of publishing workers are white. The CW&P program attracts students of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, LGBTQ+ students, mature students, and students with disabilities. These perspectives are critical to fostering representation not only in the Canadian publishing workforce, but also in the literature and resources those publishers produce. By nurturing creativity and supporting emerging talent, programs like Sheridan’s strengthen voices that reflect the richness of our national identity.

ACP recognizes the financial pressures faced by post-secondary institutions, but we believe such decisions must consider long-term cultural and economic impacts. The suspension of the CW&P program represents a step backward at a time when the publishing industry urgently needs new and diverse talent.

We call on Sheridan College’s administration to reverse this decision and reinvest in the Creative Writing & Publishing program. The stakes are too high for Canadian publishing and literature, and for the students whose futures depend on this critical training. We urge writers, artists, and creative professionals across the cultural sector to join us in advocating for the restoration of this vital program.