Libraries enrich and inspire through providing access to the broadest possible range of information and ideas while encouraging democratic discussion and social participation. To participate in an active international alliance of libraries through a development and cohesion of joint policies and educational and lobbying efforts. To make links with other organizations, particularly, but not restricted to, the cultural sector in recognition of our common interests in the promotion of libraries and cultural institutions as central to the enrichment and democratic foundations of society. The Canadian Library Association supports and joins with other public sector organizations such as museums, archives, public education institutions and public health services in declaring the importance of our services to the health, richness and level of equity so far established in our society. CLA supports the creation of an exemption for library services, as the possible outcome of permitting the private sector to compete with libraries, educational institutions and health services could be to undermine their tax-supported status.
Libraries are part of the cultural sector.
They are involved in encouraging the development and promotion of cultural products, particularly literature, and the preservation and dissemination of those products. Libraries should be part of exemptions for culture and should support and be part of any possible separate treaty which allows special consideration for cultural goods and services in international trade. CLA should work with other Canadian cultural groups such as the Writers Union of Canada and the Conference of the Arts as well as other national and international cultural groups to create alliances for achieving recognition and protection for the development of regional and domestic cultural products. The objective of such an alliance is the creation of cultural diversity and the encouragement of multiple voices.