Given the above scenario, where information services companies could be competing with libraries, the foreign corporations would not be required to use local distributors, buy local materials, or support local authors. Clearly, the collections in Canadian libraries could suffer, to say nothing of the book trade and the health of our literary communities. One dominant culture could emerge around the world. To date, there has been no public input. The British Columbia government has openly opposed the MAI and will be holding public hearings in the fall of 1998.
Concerned citizens are welcome to submit briefs stating their concerns.
If you are not a resident of BC, write your provincial government, demanding similar hearings in your province. Spread the word and educate others. Knowledge and public outcry are the world's best weapons against this treaty and others like it. In April 1998, the British Columbia Library Association added its voice to the growing number of organizations opposed to the treaty. We invite you to take this information back to your home province and petition your own association to take similar action.