For some reason The Bookseller, the UK’s awesome (and largely free online) trade magazine, is breaking news about Canada before our own book hounds seem to be able to get on it. ‘Sup wit dat? Amazon has filed an application to set up shop in Canada, which is something of a game change here.

The move could lead to a huge shake-up of Canada’s book trade. Amazon.com does not have a physical operation in the country, but sells books through its domain Amazon.ca. Moving into the country would mean the company could ship to Canadian consumers more quickly and cost-effectively. But to operate there, Amazon must receive permission from Canada’s heritage ministry.

The application is subject to a confidential inquiry by the Canadian government, which will assess whether it breaks Canada’s tough cultural protection rules, which are designed to prevent American influences from overpowering Canada’s culture.

According to Privy Council documents seen by The Bookseller, an inquiry ordered by Canada’s governor general (The Queen’s representative in the country) under the Investment Canada Act will probe “investment by Amazon.com Inc to establish a new Canadian business carried on by Amazon Fulfillment Services Canada Inc”.

Amazon spokesperson Mary Osako confirmed that an application had been made, but declined to say what it planned to sell through the new company and services. “We’re always looking for new ways to serve our Canadian customers, but it’s premature to discuss our plans as we await a ruling on our application,” she said.

Looks like Apple is also feeling the sting of a humiliating Olympic hockey loss and jonesing to get a piece of Canada’s golden action, booyah. Or something. Maybe healthcare and tax benefits. But hockey’s probably in there somewhere, I would guess. Bookseller again with the international scoop.

Apple began marketing its iPad in the UK immediately after its launch event in the US in January but has yet to confirm pricing, and its features specifically exclude the iBook Store. A spokesperson for Apple said: “We haven’t made any further announcements about the iPad or the iBook Store since our January event.”

The Apple recruitment ad said it was looking for someone who would have responsibility for building its book business in “Australia, New Zealand and Canada”.