Availability of Canadian government information

Abstract

In summary, great improvements have been made, in recent years in the distribution procedures for Canadian Federal Government publications. These, and Bill C-43 have significantly raised the level of availability of the Federal Government information to residents of Canada. Beyond the borders, and specifically in the United States, this information can certainly not be described as readily available to the average citizen. In fairness, it seems likely that U.S. librarians have not been moved to acquire this information because there is no perceived demand for it.

Canada's Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, has described the effect upon Canada of sharing 3,000 miles of border with the U.S. as akin to “sleeping with an elephant.” Mass media and commerce keep Canadians vividly aware of every aspect of American life. Perhaps it is time Canada attempted to raise its image in the U.S. Active promotion of Canadian Government Information would be a viable beginning.