This is the first monthly policy news update from CFLA-FCAB.
In May, CFLA supported the submissions of CULC and CARL on the federal budget. You can read the CFLA submission here.
This month, we’re sharing an overview of some of the national legislation that affects library service in Canada. Note that other legislation and policy nationally, provincially and locally applies to different library types and library services. Tell us what national policy you’d like to learn more about via this poll.
Accessible Canada Act applies to federally regulated entities, and influences expectations for others, including libraries.
Canada Post Act: provides for special rates for mailing library materials in section 19, with the definition in section 2. This section was proposed for removal in 2025, and retained following advocacy.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: establishes that everyone has fundamental freedoms including freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression (s.2) and that everyone is equal before the law, and has the right to equal benefit of the law without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability (s.15). The charter applies to government actions and entities, which does not include all library services or types of libraries.
Copyright Act: establishes that authors/owners have an exclusive right to authorize copies of their creative works (which they usually do through publishers) and exceptions to that right, including for libraries. Section 29 is critical for supporting library users’ questions, and Section 30 is specifically for Libraries, Archives and Museums maintaining collections and acting on behalf of users.
Criminal Code: contains definitions of hate propaganda and public incitement of hatred in sections 318 and 319, and definitions of obscene materials in section 163 that libraries should be aware of. Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, if passed, will amend the Criminal Code, through changes to definitions in section 319. This completed second reading before the Senate as of April 30, 2026. The changes proposed do not appear to directly affect libraries. Definitions recognize the role of acts that serve the public good (which, for example, could apply to holding material in a library for research purposes).
Library and Archives of Canada Act: establishes the role of LAC, including to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada, contribute to cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada as a free and democratic society, facilitate cooperation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serve as the continuing memory of the government of Canada and its institutions.
Scope of Future Monthly Updates
The scope of CFLA-FCAB policy news updates will be national policy that affects the delivery of library services, issued by the federal government through legislation or significant decisions, and through departments, such as Canadian Heritage, LAC and IRCC. We’ll also include international policy activities through IFLA that affect Canada, such as UN organization statements or new IFLA policies, and national library policy, such as metadata standards. Updates will include statements or communication from CFLA on the topic, and resources from member associations when relevant.
When time-sensitive issues arise, CFLA-FCAB may send additional updates.