MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada will help people with disabilities in the Peel Region develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to find jobs. The announcement was made today by Wladyslaw Lizon, Member of Parliament for Mississauga East—Cooksville, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).
"Canadians with disabilities have a tremendous amount to offer employers, but they remain under-represented in our workforce," said Minister Bergen. "Our government's top priorities are creating jobs and economic growth. To support Canada's long-term prosperity, we must ensure that everyone who wants to work has the opportunity to do so."
"People with disabilities face particular challenges entering the job market and that's why partnerships with organizations like Family Services of Peel are so important," said Mr.Lizon.
The Family Services of Peel is receiving more than $209, 000 from the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. This funding will allow the organization to provide 60 participants the skills and hands-on experience needed to enter and succeed in the job market. Participants will also benefit from job coaching services to help them become more independent and find employment.
"Employment provides, among other things, a connection to the community, a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging," said Chuck MacLean, Executive Director at Family Services of Peel. "This project, funded by the Government of Canada, provides opportunities to individuals experiencing difficulties in gaining employment because of a disability. This can have an overwhelming positive impact upon their lives."
Economic Action Plan (EAP) 2013 proposes to maintain funding at $40 million per year for the Opportunities Fund for People with Disabilities starting in 2015-2016, so the program can provide even more training to people with disabilities for in-demand jobs. Since 2006, the Fund has benefited over 34 600 people with disabilities across Canada.
EAP 2013 also introduced other measures to support people with disabilities. These include a new generation of Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, an extension of funding to the Enabling Accessibility Fund to improve physical accessibility and research on the labour market participation of people with disabilities.
Backgrounder
The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or become self-employed.
Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes new measures to connect Canadians with available jobs and equip them with the skills and training they need. These include the Canada Job Grant, creating opportunities for apprentices and providing support to under-represented groups, including people with disabilities, Aboriginal people, newcomers and youth.
In addition, Economic Action Plan 2013 will support the following measures:
- introducing a new generation of Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities with an investment of $222 million per year to better meet the employment needs of Canadian businesses and improve the employment prospects for people with disabilities;
- extending the Enabling Accessibility Fund at a level of $15 million per year by funding 235 new projects to support the capital costs of construction and renovations to improve physical accessibility for people with disabilities and conduct research on labour market participation; and
- providing funding of $7 million per year for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, some of which will support research related to the labour market participation of people with disabilities.
For more information about the Opportunities Fund, or to propose a project, visit servicecanada.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Canada's Economic Action Plan
This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Johanna Quinney
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
(Social Development)
613-697-4449
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
[email protected]
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IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.
This news release is available online at actionplan.gc.ca.
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