Advocacy

I am pleased to share an update on FOPL’s recent advocacy activities and initiatives over the past few months. Our work continues to focus on strengthening the profile of Ontario’s public libraries, advancing advocacy priorities, and providing meaningful services to our members. Conference Engagement & Tradeshow Activity AMO Conference (August 2025) FOPL had a strong…

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. -- Libraries across Canada are ringing alarm bells about pending changes to the Canada Post act, which they say will threaten their ability to ship books at low rates. The changes are contained in Bill C-15, the federal government’s budget implementation act. Provisions in the massive 634-page bill are set to remove…

The Government of Canada has launched an AI Strategy Task Force and a 30-day national sprint (October 1 – 31, 2025), to shape the country's AI approach. https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2025/09/government-of-canada-launches-ai-strategy-task-force-and-public-engagement-on-the-development-of-the-next-ai-strategy.html Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is conducting an online consultation through a survey to inform the development of a renewed Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2030. The…

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Ontario Government! Today, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming announced a funding increase to the Internet Connectivity Grant program, ensuring that all First Nation Public Libraries and additional rural libraries will now receive full reimbursement for the costs of providing public internet access. This…

I am thrilled to share with you the official launch of the FOPL Strategic Plan 2025–2029, a bold roadmap that sets our priorities and direction for the next several years. This plan reflects months of consultation with members, partners, and stakeholders, and is built around a shared vision of a thriving, innovative public library sector…

October is Canadian Library Month! During the month, libraries and library partners across Canada raise awareness of libraries’ valuable role in people's lives. In Ontario, the first week of October features First Nation Public Library Week (October 6-10), and the third week is Ontario Public Library Week (October 19-25). This year’s theme is “Libraries For Life / Biblios pour la…

Conference Engagement & Tradeshow Activity AMO Conference (August 2025) FOPL had a strong presence at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa this summer. We were joined by the Ontario Library Service ED Mellissa D’Onofrio-Jones and together our booth served as a gathering point of discussion for municipal leaders across Ontario. Many…

Libraries play a vital role in building strong, resilient communities across Canada. As we approach the next federal election, it’s more important than ever for Members of Parliament (MPs) to recognize how libraries contribute to education, inclusion, and community development. This election presents a key opportunity to connect with local candidates from all major parties…

Public libraries provide free access to knowledge, but proposed counter tariffs on US-made books, newspapers, magazines, DVDs, and CDs could cost libraries millions—limiting resources for Canadians. While libraries prioritize Canadian content, much essential material comes from the US. A 25% tariff would strain budgets, reducing access to vital information and cultural resources. Historically, cultural goods…

The Government of Canada is issuing a notice of intent to implement a second round of tariffs, and is seeking views on imposing tariffs on imports of additional goods from the U.S., drawing from this list of goods. The Government of Canada is proposing to implement a 25% tariff on books printed in the United…

A 25% tariff on books imported from the U.S. is set to take effect on April 2, and Canadian booksellers are fighting back. In a rare alliance, Laura Carter (CIBA) and Heather Reisman (Indigo) have urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to exempt books, warning of price hikes that could hurt readers, bookstores, and the publishing…

As book bans continue to surge in the U.S., Ontario librarians are preparing for similar challenges at home. A recent study by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations found that nearly half of book challenges in Canadian libraries last year targeted 2SLGBTQ+ content—up from just 10% in 2019. Librarians across the country are using Freedom…