The following email was received by James Roussain, President of the AAO, on July 17, 2019 from Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario in response to the AAO's letter regarding funding for library services and the interlibrary loan program in Ontario. 

Dear Mr. Roussain:

Thanks very much for your letter on behalf of Archives Association of Ontario about the funding of library services and the interlibrary loan program in Ontario. I appreciate hearing your concerns.

My colleagues and I know that public libraries play a critical role in rural, remote and Indigenous communities across the province. These are the very communities that we want to deliver more services to.

That is why our government worked closely with the two library services to develop a plan that will allow the interlibrary loan program to continue. I am pleased that a solution has been found that can work for all parties involved. It is important that this valuable service continues to reach Ontario communities.

I value our strong partnerships with Ontario Library Service-North and Southern Ontario Library Service and will continue to work with them to provide modern and sustainable library services to the people of Ontario. Together, we are ensuring that services are delivered in the most efficient and effective ways possible.

Thanks again for contacting me.

Doug Ford 
Premier of Ontario