CFLA Launches #VoteCdnLibraries Campaign

September 30, 2019

The Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) today launched its #VoteCdnLibraries campaign to advance its four key issues during the 2019 Federal Election Campaign:

• Advancing Social Infrastructure
• Copyright
• Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Language Preservation
• Support for Accessible Formats

Its votelibraries.ca website includes a number of tools to help members of the Canadian library community to engage candidates on the issues, including:

• Election Campaign Kit with key messages related to each of the four issues
• Tips on meetings with candidates
• One-pagers on the key library issues
• Feedback forms to debrief CFLA

CFLA-FCAB launches Elections Campaign

GATINEAU, September 30, 2019 –CFLA-FCAB launches Elections Campaign.

“Our goal is to reinforce to all candidates and elected officials that the mission of Canada’s libraries is to advance Canada’s intellectual, social, economic, and cultural success. Equitable access to knowledge strengthens Canada’s economy and enables growth.” stated Alix-Rae Stefanko, Chair of CFLA-FCAB. “Providing support to Canada’s libraries will help the Federal government in achieving Canada’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals”.

CFLA-FCAB is advocating for four main issues:

Advancing Social Infrastructure
CFLA-FCAB recommends that the next government support a targeted library upgrade investment fund which will enhance learning and education, build stronger, equitable, and more inclusive communities

Copyright
CFLA-FCAB recommends that the next government commit to balanced Copyright legislation that will support access to government information, protecting Indigenous languages, fair dealing, and preservation of knowledge.

Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Language Preservation
CFLA-FCAB recommends that the next government commit to supporting Indigenous ways of knowing and language preservation to support Canada’s efforts in truth, reconciliation, action, and education.

Support for Accessible Formats
CFLA-FCAB recommends that the next government commit to continued sustainable funding for the production and delivery of accessible formats to ensure that Canadians’ with print disabilities have equitable learning opportunities, maintain dignity, achieve inclusivity, and can build autonomy.

Our campaign website www.votelibraries.ca has been created to support our members in this effort by providing background information, promotional tools, and information on how to contact your local candidate to discuss these important issues.

The Canadian Federation of Library Associations/Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB) is the united voice of Canada’s libraries. Our purpose is to influence public policy, advance library excellence, and raise the visibility of libraries in Canada to advance our national intellectual, social, economic, and cultural success.

(Via Canadian Federation of Library Associations)