Bill 58, Franco-Ontarian Bookstore Promotion and Protection Act, 2025

Summary#

• This bill creates rules to support Franco-Ontarian bookstores in Ontario. Its main goal is to keep French-language books available through local stores and to stop unfair pricing by large sellers targeting public institutions.
• Key changes:
  • Sets up an official Registrar (a government-appointed official) to accredit Franco-Ontarian bookstores and keep a public list.
  • Publicly funded institutions must buy French-language books only from accredited Franco-Ontarian bookstores. This starts six months after the law is passed.
  • Bans “predatory pricing” and “disguised advantages” (like secret discounts or free books) aimed at winning sales to institutions.
  • Lets the Minister of Francophone Affairs create a support fund to help these bookstores modernize and run events, if the Legislature sets aside money.
  • Adds a duty for government agencies to actively support Franco-Ontarian cultural institutions, including bookstores, with details to be set in regulations.

What it means for you#

• Franco-Ontarian bookstores

  • You can apply to be accredited if you sell French-language books from a physical store in Ontario and show strong service to the Franco-Ontarian community (stock, events, partnerships).
  • Accreditation can bring steady sales from schools, libraries, universities, hospitals, and other public buyers.
  • You must not use predatory pricing or hidden deals; doing so can cost you your accreditation.
  • You may be able to get grants from a new support fund for digital tools, store upgrades, outreach, or cultural programs (if funded by the province).

• Publicly funded institutions (schools, school boards, colleges, universities, libraries, hospitals, ministries and agencies, municipalities, local boards, long-term care homes)

  • For French-language books, you will need to buy only from accredited Franco-Ontarian bookstores once the rule takes effect (six months after the law passes).
  • You may need to adjust vendor lists, contracts, and purchasing processes to comply.
  • Secret discounts or free-book “sweeteners” from sellers will not be allowed if used to capture your business.

• Francophone readers, students, teachers, and families

  • Local Franco-Ontarian bookstores may be stronger and offer more events, author talks, and community programs.
  • Schools and libraries should continue to provide French-language books, sourced through accredited local stores.

• Authors and publishers

  • A stronger local retail network may help reach Franco-Ontarian readers and support cultural activities.

• Large online or out-of-province sellers

  • You will not be able to sell French-language books to public institutions in Ontario unless the buyer goes through an accredited Franco-Ontarian bookstore.
  • You cannot use below-threshold prices or secret deals to win institutional contracts.

• General public

  • No direct change to your personal book purchases. These rules apply to public-sector buying and bookstore accreditation.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Protects the French language and culture in Ontario by keeping local Franco-Ontarian bookstores viable.
• Ensures public money supports community-based bookstores, not only large online platforms or out-of-province retailers.
• Stops unfair pricing tactics and hidden perks that can squeeze out small local stores.
• A support fund can help bookstores modernize, go digital, and host cultural events that benefit communities.
• Clear accreditation gives institutions an easy, trusted list of vendors for French-language books.
• Strengthens the government’s duty to actively support Franco-Ontarian cultural institutions.

Opponents' View#

• Limiting public buying to accredited stores may reduce competition and could lead to higher prices for schools, libraries, and municipalities.
• Some institutions may face delays or fewer choices if accredited stores cannot quickly supply all titles.
• The ban on secret discounts and donated books could remove savings or extras institutions once received.
• Compliance adds paperwork for institutions and for stores seeking or keeping accreditation.
• Key details, like how “predatory pricing” is defined in practice, will be set later by regulation, creating uncertainty.
• Rural or remote areas without nearby accredited stores may face higher shipping costs or longer wait times.