The federal Liberals’ budget bill currently making its way through Parliament contains a small amendment to Canada Post’s legislation that could spell the end of a critical service providing accessible reading material for people who are blind.
  • CanadianCorhen@lemmy.ca
    21·
    2 days ago

    Just sent this to my MP:

    Dear Patrick Weiler

    I am writing to you today to stress my significant frustration regarding Bill C-15.

    As an able-bodied Canadian, I find it deeply troubling that this legislation is effectively stripping Canadian organizations and individuals of the ability to send and receive essential materials, such as books, letters, used by people who are blind, without incurring postage costs.

    We are judged by how we treat the worst off, not the best, and the impossibly minor savings this will grant are not worth how it will impact the differently abled. I’ve never used, know anyone who has used, or expect to use this saving, but to people that need it its a lifeline.

    The long-standing policy of allowing these items to be mailed postage-free is crucial for accessibility and participation in society for the blind community. I urge you to reconsider the implications of Bill C-15 and support policies that maintain or enhance this vital service.

    Thank you for considering my concerns regarding this important issue.

    • Typhoon@lemmy.ca
      2·
      1 day ago

      That’s a great letter. Thanks for posting it here.

      There are other big problems with Bill C-15 like the part where any minister can exempt a person/organization from any act of parliament (outside of the criminal code) under their responsibility. It’s section 208.

      So the minister of the environment could exempt a company from any environmental laws. One person could decide to let someone dump whatever they wanted into our lakes or rivers.

      There are countless other acts that could be exempted at the judgment of one minister appointed to the role.