LAC budget declines a further $2.5 million

Library and Archives Canada continues to be singled out for budget cuts by the Harper government. According to an Ottawa Citizen story every federal cultural institution in the National Capital region except Library and Archives Canada will have more to spend in 2014-15.

Federal government spending estimates show funding for LAC will be will $95.9 million in 2014-15, an overall decrease of $2.5 million in 2013–14.

The Main Estimates explain the decease as due to:

• A decrease of $3.0 million due to savings identified as part of the Budget 2012 Spending Review;
• A decrease of $2.6 million for the conversion of a facility in Gatineau, Quebec to a high density shelving Collection Storage Facility;
• A decrease of $0.4 million to Shared Services Canada as part of the Workplace Technology Devices Initiative;
• An increase of $1.9 million from Public Works and Government Services Canada as a result of Library and Archives Canada program space consolidation and rationalization efforts;
• An increase of $0.9 million for compensation adjustments to fund increased personnel costs of collective agreements and employee benefit plans (statutory); and
• An increase of $0.7 million from Public Works and Government Services Canada for reimbursement as a result of a reduction in accommodation requirements.