Honourable senators, in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement the government withdrew its commitment to support the Centre for Equitable Library Access which provides reading material to Canadians with disabilities. By 2024, they plan to cut its annual $4 million contribution altogether. The decision was made without any warning or consultation and comes at a time when the disabled community is already facing major challenges.

With this cut, the centre will likely be closing their doors, which means no access to educational materials and supports to those with disabilities. In fact, it means no audio books for the blind.

I gave notice of this question, Senator Gold, so let me go ahead and ask it: Who made this call? Why was the decision made to cut such an essential service — something that represents such a small portion of an annual budget but fundamentally changes the lives of so many?

I’m sorry, my office did send this question to yours. Can you please commit to making sure this decision is reversed or, at the very least, come back to us with an explanation as to why this funding was cut?