The proposed federal budget includes an item which would eliminate the Free Literature for the Blind program and impact CELA's ability to mail accessible reading materials to our users.  

Current Situation

Following increasing media interest, on Tuesday December 9, Minister Lightbound's office issued a statement offering assurances that it is not their intention to cut the Free Literature for the Blind program. 

We appreciate these assurances. However, assurances are not guarantees, nor do they offer regulatory protections. We believe the government has both the capacity and obligation to preserve this vital service in legislation which ensures format choice and equitable access to reading materials to people across Canada.  Without regulatory protection, the Free Literature for the Blind program could continuously be placed at risk.

Background

The proposed federal budget includes an item which would eliminate the Free Literature for the Blind program. 

Without this program, CELA would no longer be able to mail physical braille, printbraille and audiobook players to users with print disabilities. This would leave many of our users without any access to reading materials.

In addition, we know that many of the organizations that support people who are blind or have low vision also rely on the Free Literature for the Blind program to offer services and support this community.

It is crucial that this service be maintained and that it continues to be supported and protected by Canadian law so that it is not unduly affected by politics or budget issues. 

What you can do to help:

Call or write your Member of Parliament.

We have a letter available which you are welcome to use or adapt. Please voice your concerns to your MP as soon as possible. 
Find your Member of Parliament's contact information.

Share you letter or concerns with Minister Joel Lightbound who is responsible for Canada Post.

Email:  joel.lightbound@parl.gc.ca

Hill Office
House of Commons *
Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada
K1A 0A6

Telephone: 613-995-4995
Fax: 613-996-8292

What CELA and NNELS are doing in response to this situation: 

CELA and NNELS along with many other organizations sent a letter to the Letter to the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, Public Services and Procurement Canada on Tuesday, December 9. 

This letter calls on the government to withdraw this amendment to the Canada Post Corporation Act and ensure that the free post to the blind can continue. Read the full letter. 

We continue to advocate with government officials directly to share about the potential impacts of this decision.  

For Libraries

For our library friends, we are working on a template letter of support that includes both this issue, free postage for the blind, as well as the related issue of repealing the clause which ensures reduced postage rates for inter-library loan. Please keep an eye out for updates on this.