THAT The City of New Westminster write to the MLA for New Westminster, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough, and the BC Minister for Education; and
THAT The City of New Westminster submit the following motion to UBCM:
WHEREAS libraries in British Columbia are largely financed by levies paid by local governments, and where provincial library funding has remained stagnant for the past 10 years;
AND WHEREAS public libraries are central to communities, provide equitable access to vital resources, including internet, computers, digital library tools and in-person services from expert staff which are essential for low-barrier services and support job seekers and small businesses, that increase literacy in communities, that advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and that promote equity and inclusion;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of the BC Municipalities call on the Government of British Columbia to provide long-term sustainable funding for public libraries in BC and that the Province ensure that BC Libraries will henceforth receive regular increases to Provincial Government funding in subsequent years.
AND THAT The City of New Westminster share the above motion with BC municipalities.