Forwarded in the interest of Genealogical Research in Canada. So, Canadian members, get off your Butts and do something about it now! Pádraig Mór [ An Sean-Ghabhar - Milis agus Dilis!] [The Old Goat - Sweet and Faithful !] **** Please Reply Only to the List **** ----- Original Message ----- > "ann ritchie" <sawomri@mb.sympatico.ca> wrote in message > news:42CD5721.222AEF31@mb.sympatico.ca... > >This message is posted here in an attempt to reach as many Canadians > possible involved in genealogical research. > Just when the problem with the release of the 1911census has > been resolved, another seems to rearing its ugly head. > Canada Post is in the process of preparing its new budget to take effect > March 1, 2006. One of the changes is that libraries will no longer have a > special postal rate to ship materials by mail on Inter-Library loans. > The example given to me was a 4" x 7" x 3/4" paperback book which can > currently go out on Inter-Library loan at a cost of 87 cents will, effective > March 1, 2006 will cost $7.44 !!! > There will be very few libraries able to absorb this very large increase. > My local library has already decided that there will be no inter-library loan > available once the new rate comes into effect, as they cannot afford the extra > costs. > Lack of Inter-Library loans will not only affect those of us doing genealogy, > but also students, researchers, and every other person who simply wishes to > read a book that is not available at their local library. > This is supposed to be the information age, but not every library has > all needed information, not everything is available on the internet > and not every home as a personal computer. Everyone will be affected > regardless of whether they live in a rural or urban areas. > Once again it is necessary to email our members of parliament, the > Prime Minister, Paul Martin ; the minister responsible for Canada Post, > John McCallum ; the minister for Canadian Heritage, Liza Frulla and > your local federal member of parliament. > In this case, because most libraries also receive funding from the provinces > and city and municipal governments, they should also be contacted. > Canada Post will finalize their budget on Sept. 1, 2005, so there is > some urgency in showing how much opposition there is to this increase. > They would probably be happier if this proposed change did not become > public knowledge, until they can say it's too late for them to do anything, so > send your letters and e-mails as soon as possible. A letter to the editor of > your local newspaper might also bring this to the attention of more people > Please pass this information on to any person or group you feel will be affected. Sometimes it takes a lot of voices to make them hear. > > E-mail addresses for Paul Martin: Martin.P@parl.gc.ca > or pm@pm.gc.ca > John McCallum: McCallum.J@parl.gc.ca > Liza Frulla: Frulla.L@parl.gc.ca > The addresses for your other federal members of parliament can be found at: > http://tinyurl.com/bexzy > A. Ritchie