How might Canadas commitments in other GATS sectors affect libraries?
Theoretically, some of the library activities not covered by the “governmental authority” exception could be affected by Canada’s commitments in GATS sectors other than Library Services. If a library activity was classified as a Research and Development (R&D) Service, for example, then it would be subject to Canada’s commitments in that sector and not Canada’s commitments under Library Services. In the case of R&D Services, Canada has made commitments and must provide market access and non-discriminatory treatment to foreign competitors. In other sectors related to library activities (Education Services, for example), Canada has not made any commitments and these obligations would not apply. It is unclear how relevant this issue is to libraries, for most library activities will likely be covered by the public services exclusion. Also, because the GATS definition of Library Services encompasses “services of libraries of all kinds”, non-excluded activities would likely be covered by this
