FOPL was granted a deputation to the Standing Committee of Economic Affairs and Finance on February 13th to compliment our Pre-Budget Submission to the Ministry of Finance. Our sector has had, in total, six deputations to the Standing Committee and/or the Minister of Finance combined this budget season. I’m so energized by the way our sector has really come together to support our goals! We have certainly made ourselves heard. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to apply and present on behalf of libraries across the province.
FOPL and OLA were formally invited to consult with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport on February 24th along with a few other key stakeholders. These consultations have been framed as information-gathering sessions as the MTCS seeks input to modernize support for Ontario’s public libraries. The purpose was to discuss the current priorities, opportunities and issues impacting public libraries so that the MTCS can develop a path forward. We are VERY encouraged by these consultations and delighted that the Ministry is engaged and looking for ways to improve its contribution to our sector.