Tweed continues to gather
support for Library Bill

Ottawa –April 08, 2008- Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, continues to gain support for his Private Member’s Bill to protect the Library Book Rate available through Canada Post.

This morning, Tweed along with the Canadian Library Association held discussions with Members of Parliament at a breakfast meeting to continue to provide more information about his Private Member’s Bill.

The meeting was well attended and Tweed’s presentation of his Private Member’s Bill generated a lot of interest and discussion.

“I am very pleased with the level of interest my colleagues have shown in my Bill,” said Tweed.

BACKGROUND:

Since 1939, libraries in Canada have been able to exchange books at a reduced postal rate, historically known as the Library Book Rate (LBR).  Originally funded directly by the Government of Canada, a 1997 ruling by the World Trade Organization requires the cost of the program to be incurred by Canada Post.  Canada Post has not guaranteed support past January 2008.