Bill C-15, Tuesday, Dec 16, 2025

Bill C-15 and its impact on accessible materials The panel discussed the proposed legislation that would remove mandatory free postal service for accessible materials. Details Jeff: Learned about the bill through a LinkedIn message about “free postal service for accessible materials in jeopardy”; began spreading awareness to over 300 contactsAli: Questioned whether the government is indirectly saying they don’t want to continue funding this serviceJeff: Believes it’s not that they don’t have money, but that “they just didn’t want to put money towards it” despite it being a “relative drop in the bucket”Macara: Noted that Canada Post wants “unilateral control of changing the postage prices” without government consultationJeff: Clarified that the bill doesn’t immediately end free shipping but removes the legal requirement for Canada Post to offer it Conclusion The amendment would make free postal service for accessible materials optional rather than mandatoryCanada Post has publicly stated they will continue to honor their obligation while simultaneously supporting the billAdvocates are concerned about future changes once the legal requirement is removed Digital transition challenges for print-disabled users The group discussed the challenges faced by print-disabled individuals when services transition to digital-only formats. Details Ali: Noted that CELA stopped producing and mailing CDs, which impacts those who depend on physical mediaJeff: Highlighted that many people, especially elderly users, struggle with technology adoptionAli: Acknowledged that while he can easily adapt to digital formats, many users find technology “confusing and difficult”Jeff: Mentioned inadequate training resources, with only 10 hours available through assistive devices programsJeff: Pointed out that rural areas often lack broadband internet access, making digital-only solutions impracticalMacara: Raised concerns about job losses for braille transcribers if physical formats are discontinued Conclusion Digital-only solutions exclude many users who lack technology skills or accessTraining resources are insufficient for many users to make the transitionInfrastructure limitations (like rural broadband) create additional barriers The importance of choice in accessible formats The panel emphasized that maintaining multiple format options is crucial for accessibility. Details Jeff: Compared the situation to restaurants using tablets for ordering – people may use it when required but prefer traditional methodsMacara: Asked why the blind community shouldn’t have the same choices as sighted readers who can choose between print and digitalJeff: Noted that print books remain popular despite digital alternatives, with Chapters/Indigo stores still thrivingAli: Suggested there needs to be a middle ground approach that maintains optionsJeff: Questioned why CELA discontinued CDs and whether there was any consultation with users Conclusion Choice is a fundamental aspect of accessibilityThe trend toward eliminating physical formats disproportionately impacts vulnerable populationsA middle ground approach is needed that maintains multiple format options Impact on specialized communities The discussion touched on how these changes affect specific communities within the print-disabled population. Details Jeff: Highlighted the deaf-blind community as a “minority within a minority” particularly impacted by these changesMacara: Noted that rural and remote communities often have less access to CNIB servicesJeff: Mentioned that CNIB services vary by region, with some areas receiving minimal supportAli: Suggested that CELA may not be producing new braille materials but simply distributing existing stock Conclusion Specialized communities face compounded barriers when services are reducedGeographic location creates additional accessibility challengesService reductions disproportionately impact those with multiple disabilities Observations on this Occuring Under a Mark Carney Government An additional observation was made by Jeff, that it is very ironic that the Carney government is legislating de-regulation. In Carney’s book, Values, (which was discussed during a Panel), one of the reoccurring themes is the need to have regulations and safeguards in play in order to avoid complacency. Whether it be trust in the free market, past and future forms of currency, environmental endeavours, etc. Carney repeatedly emphasized regulations so that people would not become complacent. The Following is the Link to Saturday’s The Ali and Macara Show, Where Bill C-15 was Briefly Discussed https://thealiandmacarashow.ca/2025/12/13/sheryl-crow-saturday-dec-13-2025/ Follow the Books Panel On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/books-panel/id1810901361 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2k8W4IQLgHgxqyDshZuar8?si=upOjdA68SHW-ajSuyOlY9g&nd=1&dlsi=ceb38dbda874450b On Audible: https://www.audible.ca/podcast/...