The Canadian publishing industry joins the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS), the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), and the broader Canadian library community in urging the federal government to withdraw amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act introduced in Bill C-15 that jeopardize equitable access to books for Canadians across the country.
The provisions slated for removal ensure:
- Free mailing of letters, books, tapes, records, and similar materials for the use of people who are blind through the Literature for the Blind program, and
- Reduced postage for library materials, commonly known as the Library Book Rate.
These long-standing measures are foundational to equitable access to reading materials in Canada. Blind Canadians rely on the free mailing program to access information, cultural materials, and educational resources. The Library Book Rate benefits all Canadians by ensuring that materials can circulate nationally, which is not only vital in serving remote, rural, and northern communities, but also supports inter-library loans in urban areas.
Canadian publishers are concerned that the proposed repeal was introduced without prior notice, consultation, or mention in the November 4, 2025 federal budget, instead only appearing in Bill C-15 (Budget Implementation Act). Removing these provisions would have immediate and harmful impacts on readers who rely on accessible materials, the public libraries that serve them, and the publishers and authors whose works circulate through this system. Publishers support maintaining and strengthening the Library Book Rate, the Literature for the Blind program, and other public-interest postal measures that ensure equitable access to reading materials nationwide.
While we commend Canada Post for stating their intention to maintain the Library Book Rate regardless of changes to the Canada Post Corporation Act, publishers and libraries emphasize that the rate must remain enshrined in legislation to ensure long-term stability and affordability.
Canadian publishers stand with NNELS and CELA in calling on Parliament to preserve these provisions in full, recognizing their essential role in ensuring national access to library materials. Additionally, the government must commit to thorough and transparent consultation with affected communities before proposing any future changes to these protections.
For more information on how individuals and organizations can participate in this advocacy effort—including a template letter to send to Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement—please visit the NNELS website.
Supported by:
Jack Illingworth, Executive Director
Association of Canadian Publishers
Karine Vachon, Executive Director
Association nationale des éditeurs de livres
Leigh-Anne Graham, Executive Director
Canadian Publishers’ Council
Lauren Perruzza, Executive Director
Literary Press Group of Canada
Piedad Saenz, Executive Director
Regroupement des éditeurs franco-canadiens
For more information, contact:
Jack Illingworth, Executive Director
Association of Canadian Publishers
jack_illingworth@canbook.org