There is significant concern in the Canadian library sector about proposed changes to the Canada Post Corporations Act in Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget, tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025 by Minister Lightbound. C-15 repeals Paragraphs 19(1)(d) to (g.1) of the Act. This section currently provides for a reduced rate of postage for library materials lent by a library to a borrower, including by means of an interlibrary loan, and for the ‘transmission, by post, free of postage, of (i) letters, books, tapes, records and other similar material for the use of the blind.’ If it is repealed and the current postage rates are increased, it would have a devastating impact on the ability of libraries to offer interlibrary loans and/or provide library materials to people with print disabilities.
While libraries, library associations/organizations, and NNELS and CELA were unaware of the proposed changes, we have quickly mobilized to advocate against them. In response, Minister Lightbound and Canada Post have put out statements that they do not intend to change the current rates, but they are still planning to make the changes to that Act which removes the protections we currently have against rate changes and leaves that decision to Canada Post and its board. The consensus from library advocates is that is unacceptable.
BCLA has sent the following advocacy letters to federal and provincial politicians:
- letter to Minister Lightbound,
- letter to Prime Minister Carney (including a list of other federal politicians to whom we sent the same letter),
- letter to Premier Eby (copied to a number of relevant provincial politicians and staff).
If you would like to advocate, we encourage you to adapt the content from our letters or use the website OLA has created to help individuals advocate for ILLO.
BCLA will continue to monitor this issue and share any significant updates via the Main Discussion on Branches: BCLA’s Online Forum.