ADVOCACY ALERT
Ontario Budget 2019
Yesterday afternoon, the government of Ontario released their 2019/20 Ontario Budget.
In the lead up to the 2019/20 Budget, the Ontario Library Association (OLA) and Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL) engaged with the government to share our recommendations for ensuring modern, sustainable public libraries in communities across Ontario. Working alongside many of our local library partners, we prepared a budget submission, presented before the Legislative Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and participated in the Minister of Finance’s pre-Budget consultations.
Although the Budget does not specifically mention libraries, we will be working with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport to better understand the upcoming fiscal plan.
We look forward to engaging with you further regarding yesterday’s announcements as we learn more.
OLA and FOPL are focused on a long-term advocacy strategy to advocate on and work with the Ontario Government to secure a modern approach to supporting libraries so that Ontario’s Public, School and First Nations Libraries can continue to support local communities with reliable broadband Internet access, supports for local economic development, and frontline access for digital government services.
Library Day at Queen’s Park 2019
As part of OLA and FOPL’s ongoing advocacy efforts, we are looking forward to organizing a Library Day at Queen’s Park in November 28, 2019. Library Day at Queen’s Park is an opportunity for Ontario’s library leaders to meet with Ministers, MPPs and policy makers to discuss the value and impact of libraries for the people of Ontario.
Regional Government Review
Currently, a review of regional government of 8 regional municipalities and Simcoe County is underway. OLA and FOPL are engaged to ensure the perspective of public libraries are represented at these reviews, with a focus on the importance of local board governance. We will provide updates as they become available.