Bill C-15 proposes to repeal provisions of the Canada Post Corporation Act that currently provide reduced-rate postage for library materials mailed between libraries or to library users, as well as the postage-free mailing of books and other materials for the use of people who are blind.
The measures targeted for repeal were unanimously adopted by Parliament when Bill C-321 passed in 2013. That was 13 years ago. It was introduced by Conservative MP Merv Tweed, with all-party recognition that equitable access to reading is a national priority.
Libraries across Canada have been clear that repealing these measures will have a negative impact. Libraries across Canada rely on affordable postage rates to operate robust interlibrary loan networks so that a person in a small town or remote community can access the same depth of collection as someone living near a major research library in an urban centre.
Homebound readers, seniors, people with disabilities and residents of indigenous, remote and minority-language communities often depend upon materials delivered by mail from public and academic libraries.
Finally, people who are blind or have low vision rely on the free post program to receive accessible formats such as Braille, audio, and large-print materials. Eliminating the statutory guarantee would threaten their ability to receive reading materials at all.
I would urge my colleagues to vote against this. Other than a pure pecuniary impact, I really can't see how it could possibly be good policy.