Library Community Submissions to 2021 Pre-Budget Consultations

September 14, 2020

Over the summer, the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) and the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC)—the national voices for Canada’s research libraries and major public library systems—submitted briefs to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance’s Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2021 Federal Budget.

Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL)

The recommendations from CARL focus on broadband connectivity as key infrastructure for meeting the immediate COVID-19 challenges and for enabling future social and economic success for Canada.

Recommendation 1:
That the Government recognize there is a gap in available high-speed internet in urban settings and expand funding opportunities to include urban areas, in addition to rural and remote.

Recommendation 2:
That the Government increase support to small enterprise and last-mile ISPs to increase market competition and to maintain the capacity for ongoing service and delivery.

Recommendation 3:
That the Government introduce a program similar to the Connecting Families Program to provide affordable high-speed internet and equipment for eligible lowincome post-secondary students.

Recommendation 4:
That the Government review the minimum upload and download standards established by the CRTC to ensure that Canadians remain competitive with average global internet speeds.

(The full submission is available from the CARL website.)

Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC)

The CULC recommendations addresses existing access to information challenges that were made more visible by COVID-19, including broadband connectivity, access to e-content for libraries, support for vulnerable populations, and support for Canadian publishers and booksellers.

Recommendation 1:
The Government of Canada ensures access to e-content for Canada’s public libraries from multinational publishers.

Recommendation 2:
That the Government of Canada consider longer term funding arrangements to ensure municipalities can continue to provide essential services, including those offered by public libraries, while municipal revenues continue to be impacted by the pandemic.

Recommendation 3:
That the Government of Canada maintain its commitment to increase broadband access across Canada and seek exemptions for public libraries from broadband providers to ensure digital access to public library services is available for all Canadians.

Recommendation 4:
That the Government of Canada consider funding the critical role libraries play in supporting vulnerable populations across Canada.

Recommendation 5:
That the Government of Canada ensure adequate funding is provided on an urgent basis to CELA to ensure accessible reading material can be provided to vulnerable populations.

Recommendation 6:
That the Government of Canada provide immediate support to Canadian publishers and booksellers so that they can continue to publish, promote and sell Canadian content in the Canadian market.

(The full submission is available from the CULC website.)