FOPL and OLA have created a new government relations priorities document to guide our advocacy work throughout the fall and winter. While this document may look familiar, there are two main changes to note;
- Our ask regarding the Provincial Libraries Operating Grant has changed. We are now asking for an increase to the PLOG of an additional $25 million annually on top of the existing $21 million grant. The additional $25 million would restore the PLOG to a present-day value, addressing the impact inflation, rising costs of living and other pressures accumulated over more than 25 years. We have framed this new ask to address shared critical areas of both the library community’s and provinces priorities. More information and discussion will be provided during this month’s Caucus meetings.
- Language pertaining to the Ontario Digital Public Library ask has changed. We are now asking for a projected cost of $10 – $20 million to demonstrate various levels of investment. An ODPL Briefing Note has been prepared by the FOPL board, incorporating feedback from our members and various caucus meetings earlier this year, to provide context and accompany our Government Relations priorities document. More information about the ODPL Briefing Note and discussion will be provided during this month’s Caucus meetings.
FOPL will be attending two in-person lobbying days at Queen’s Park on November 14 and 15. We will be joined by our partners at the Ontario Library Association as we aim to have 24-26 meetings over two days with a variety of sector stakeholders including Ministers, MPPs and Ministry officials. We will be bringing our new Government Relations Priorities document to discuss and our A games!
Earlier in September, FOPL sent a letter to the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery supporting a consultation paper jointly submitted by CARL, CFLA, CIPPIC and CULC. The consultation paper proposed changes to the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, that would enforce fair e-book pricing and sales for public libraries. The letter and consultation paper are attached.
GR Advocacy Priorities – September 2023
ODPL Briefing Note September 2023
FOPL Letter of Support – Consumer Protection Act Recommendations