Bill C-509 – Third Readng – March 7, 2011

Mr. Merv Tweed (Brandon—Souris, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues in the House for the generous support they have offered to me on the bill.

The impetus behind the bill was to ensure that libraries knew the cost of moving books and other library materials back and forth. Although they had an agreement with Canada Post, there were times when it was suggested or it may have been presumed that the rates would rise dramatically, and as was explained in the last speech, that would impact libraries, particularly rural libraries, in a very significant
way.

The bill really intends to protect the rate and expand it to include today’s technology. I was pleased with the review of the bill in committee and that there were some changes made that I thought were very welcome. As parliamentarians, this is an issue that impacts all of us and I think it is important that we all play a role in it.

I have received generous support across Canada. We have had hundreds, if not thousands, of names come in on petitions in support. It was not from one specific region of Canada, but from all across Canada, which tells me that libraries are important.

As someone who grew up in a small, rural community in Manitoba, I understand the value of having access to the larger centres. Not everybody has the ability to move in and out of these larger centres, but they can do so with the mail.

If people are watching today, I would encourage them to contact their library and find out about the book rate. They do not have to travel great distances. They can have library books and materials delivered right to their doorstep if they are unable to access their local library.

It will move into the other place very soon, I hope, and I am hopeful that people studying it will see the positives and the benefits to all Canadians, and we will bring it back to the House with certain situations prevailing. I would like to see this happen as soon as possible, so I will encourage my friends in the other place to do the same.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I thank you and all hon. members for the opportunity. I too want to thank the people at work in the library system. They do a tremendous job and a great service to Canadians. I think this is just one way of showing a little support for them and also enabling Canadians to have better access to reading. What more can I say?