It’s official: Canadian Heritage has announced that Apple Canada has been granted approval under the Investment Canada Act to establish iBookstore Canada. From the news release:

“Our Government is committed to strengthening Canada’s economy through all its sectors, especially arts and culture,” said Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore. “Apple has demonstrated how iBookstore Canada represents new opportunities for Canadian authors and publishers, and I have determined that this investment will be of net benefit to Canada.”

The release goes on to say that the decision was based on several commitments made by Apple Canada: to promote Canadian-authored titles in both English and French; to increase access to titles by Aboriginal publishers and authors; to assist Canadian publishers in streamlining the process of e-book creation; and to create an iBookstore tailored to Canadian consumers.