Bill C-15:Protect Canada’s Interlibrary Loan Services
12/11/2025
What’s Happening?
Bill C-15 (the federal Budget Implementation Act) includes amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act that would:
- Eliminate the reduced postage rate for library materials, jeopardizing interlibrary loan services.
- Repeal the clause guaranteeing free mailing of materials for people who are blind, removing legislative protection for this essential service.
While the Minister’s office and Canada Post have assured that current rates will remain unchanged, these assurances are not legally binding. Without legislative protection, these services could be altered or removed at any time by Canada Post’s Board without public consultation.
Every month, over 30,000 items are mailed between libraries across Canada. Without this protected rate, interlibrary loan services could become unaffordable—or disappear entirely.
Why This Matters
- Equitable Access: Interlibrary loan ensures every Canadian can borrow books and research materials, regardless of income or location.
- Accessibility: Libraries rely on this service to deliver accessible formats to patrons who are blind or print-disabled.
- Support for Rural and Remote Communities: Many individuals depend on mailed library materials as their primary way to access resources.
- Education and Innovation: Students, researchers, and academics depend on interlibrary loans for specialized materials not available locally.
Recent Updates from CELA
- On December 9, CELA submitted a letter with over 200 signatories to Minister Lighthouse, urging the government to maintain legislative protection for these services.
- The Minister’s office confirmed its commitment to maintaining free mailing for the blind but continues to support repealing the clause that guarantees this right by law.
- CELA is calling for:
- Withdrawal or modification of the proposed changes to keep these protections in legislation.
- Continued advocacy from libraries and organizations across Canada.
CELA Next Steps
- CELA is preparing a template letter of support addressing both issues: free postage for the blind and reduced postage rates for interlibrary loans.
- Updates and resources will be posted on the CELA and NNELS websites:
We urge all LAA members to:
- Contact your federal MP and advocate against the proposed amendments.
- Use the OLA advocacy resources for template letters and phone scripts.
- If you send your own letter, please copy kathrin.kilburn@bc.libraries.coop so CELA can track support.
Together, we can protect Canada’s interlibrary loan services and ensure free mailing for the blind remains enshrined in legislation.
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