Of all the national assets, Archives are the most precious: They are the gift of one generation to another & the extent of our care of them marks the extent of our civilization.
— Arthur G. Doughty (Dominion Archivist, 1904-1935)
The bringing together of the National Library of Canada and the National Archives of Canada promises Canadians comprehensive collections, expertly organized, properly preserved, and accessible to all.
— Dr. Roch Carrier, O.C. (former National Librarian of Canada)
As the National Library, the institution played a prime role in the acquiring through legal deposit and preserving a comprehensive collection of literary and musical works published in Canada.
— Marianne Scott and Guy Sylvestre (former National Librarians of Canada)
Our goal for LAC, stated in a few words, is to become a leading-edge knowledge institution… Our objectives are clear: to create a truly national institution to provide Canadians with access to the whole of their documentary heritage.
— Ian Wilson (former National Librarian and Archivist of Canada)

March Campaign Update

The Issues

Funding cuts and new management policies have troubling implications for LAC’s ability to preserve Canada’s history and cultural heritage.

The Campaign

CAUT has launched a campaign to protect this national treasure for generations to come.
Learn about the campaign objectives.

Get Involved

Stop the dissolution of
this vital resource and ensure that LAC maintain its commitement to preserve Canada's full documentary heritage.

March 2013 Campaign Update

  • LAC gives up on purchased acquisitions of Canadian history
  • Interlibrary Loans Service Closed
  • LAC's new Code of Conduct

Read the March campaign update here.

September 2012 Campaign Update

  • Archival organizations across Canada withdraw from LAC’s Pan-Documentary Heritage Network
  • LAC withdraws from the Association of Research Libraries
  • The real scoop on digitization at LAC
  • PSAC National Day of Action, “We are all affected”
  • Documentary Producers speak out!

Read the September campaign update here.

May 2012 Campaign Update

  • Changing Mandate
  • Lessened Collections
  • Loss of Knowledgeable Staff
  • Less Access
  • Reduced Funding
  • Decentralization of collections
  • Limited Digitization
  • Departmental Library Closures

Read the May campaign update here.

Cuts at Library and Archives Canada devastating for preservation of Canada’s history

May 2, 2012 — Recent cuts to staff and programming at Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will have devastating effects on our nation’s ability to acquire and preserve its history. On April 30, LAC presented 450 members of its staff with affected notices, with 215 of those positions to be eliminated. Read the full press release

Recent Videos

Importance to actors and playwrights

Actor/playwright Pierre Brault explains the importance of Library and Archives Canada and the damage changes underway at the organization are causing.

Historian's View

Craig Heron, Professor of History at York University, speaks about the negative impacts of 'modernization' at Library and Archives Canada.

Writer's View

Author and journalist Susan Crean discusses the importance of Library and Archives Canada to writers.

Booksellers oppose changes at LAC

Liam McGahern, President of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of Canada, explains his organization's opposition to changes underway at Library and Archives Canada.

CAUT Open Letter to Daniel Caron

In an open letter to Daniel Caron, Librarian and Archivist of Canada, CAUT defends its criticism of changes at Library and Archives Canada. Read Letter

About CAUT

The Canadian Association of University Teachers represents 66,000 teachers, librarians, researchers and other academic professionals and general staff at 124 universities and colleges across Canada.


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