QUESTION PERIOD — Employment and Social Development
Funding for Equitable Library Access
June 17, 2021
Honourable senators, as we continue to mark Deafblind Awareness Month throughout June, my question for the government leader concerns accessible reading materials for persons with print disabilities.
The leader may remember questions from Senator Seidman earlier this year about the Trudeau government’s decision to phase out funding for the Centre for Equitable Library Access, the National Network for Equitable Library Service and their work to provide accessible reading materials. Thankfully, in March, the government reversed course and gave those organizations a one-year reprieve by restoring their funding. However, as those two organizations noted back in March, that was only an interim one-year solution.
Leader, what is your government’s plan for long-term funding for the production and distribution of accessible reading materials, and does that plan include the two organizations mentioned?
Thank you for the question. I’m pleased the chamber has been made aware, thanks to your question, that the funding was reintroduced or carried forward.
I do not have information with regard to the long-term plans and what they might or might not include. I will certainly inquire and get back to the chamber.
Both organizations explained that the government’s initial decision to cut their funding was taken without consultation or any advance warning, so I’m glad the government has reversed its decision.
However, has your government worked with those groups over the last few months to develop a comprehensive long-term strategy, and if not, why not? Would you please inquire about the consultation process as well?
I certainly will. Thank you.
