In an abrupt change of heart, federal Heritage Minister James Moore today revealed a marketing co-op for small Canadian publishers will get to keep its public funding after all.

The declaration comes a week after the co-op, the Literary Press Group (LPG), lost its funding in a sudden announcement by the ministry last month, The Tyee reported. The restored funds mean the LPG will get to go on marketing books for its 47 members -- which include Talonbooks, Anvil Press and several other local B.C. publishers.

"We remain grateful for the overwhelming public support received from Canadian readers, writers, publishers and industry colleagues," said LPG executive director Jack Illingworth in a statement.

Earlier, in a public letter, Illingworth wrote he didn't know the why or the who behind the cuts to the LPG's funding.

"We don't know if it was made by a politician, or by someone in the bureaucracy," he wrote.

The most recent release published on the Quill & Quire website also did not provide a reason for the reversal.

Nonetheless, Illingworth said he is grateful to the ministry for its support.

"This government's commitment to the arts rings through best when everyday Canadians are prepared to step forward and demonstrate how much they mean," he said.

Adam Pez is completing a practicum at The Tyee.