The last number of years have been challenging, and those challenges have been further exacerbated by recent budget cuts at the federal, provincial, and organizational levels. These cuts have had a significant impact on our libraries and on our colleagues in the heritage, publishing, and broader arts and culture sectors.

With this in mind, we are looking to put together a panel discussion or “fireside chat” session (other format suggestions welcome!) that would be part of the APLA 2026 programme, which provides an opportunity to discuss advocacy for our sectors in the face of these cuts.

Ideally, the panel will focus not only on the impact of budget cuts, but also on successful (or unsuccessful) advocacy initiatives, barriers to advocacy work, opportunities for future initiatives and collaborations across sectors and regions.

We are hoping for a 45-60 minute discussion. The session is currently booked for June 17th at 2:40PM ADT at the Delta Dartmouth Hotel.

If you are interested in participating and/or have questions or ideas, please respond to Lisa Marshall at your earliest convenience.