OSHAWA, ON, Oct. 2, 2014 /CNW/ - Canadians with disabilities will gain better access to programs and services in their community, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).
The Oshawa Central Council of Neighbourhood Associations is receiving $50,000 from the Enabling Accessibility Fund to improve accessibility for Canadians with disabilities.
The project will remove barriers and enhance accessibility by building an exterior ramp and installating automated door openers at the Valleyview Community Centre.
Quick Facts
- Since the Enabling Accessibility Fund was launched in 2007, the Government of Canada has funded over 1,400 projects, helping thousands of Canadians gain better access to their workplaces and communities' facilities, programs and services.
- Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government extended the Enabling Accessibility Fund on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to improve accessibility in facilities across Canada, including workplaces.
- Economic Action Plan 2014 strengthens federal programs for Canadians with disabilities to help them get the skills and training they need to prepare for and find work. Beginning in 2015–16, more Canadians with disabilities will receive training for in-demand jobs through ongoing support from the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
Quotes
"Our government is committed to creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity all across Canada and right here in Oshawa. We are improving accessibility for Canadians with disabilities, which will enable them to fully participate in their communities and workplaces."
– The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development)
"The Government of Canada is creating opportunities for Canadians with disabilities through support for the Oshawa Central Council of Neighbourhood Associations. Thanks to organizations like yours that care about accessibility, we are eliminating barriers and we're helping to bring workers, employers and communities together."
– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
Associated Links
Backgrounder
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) was originally announced in 2007 as a three-year, $45-million program to support community-based projects across Canada. In 2010, EAF was extended with an additional three-year, $45-million commitment and the creation of a new mid-sized project component. Since the first call for proposals in 2008, over 1,400 projects have been awarded funding to improve accessibility in Canadian communities and workplaces.
Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government extended EAF on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to continue to help improve accessibility for Canadians with disabilities.
All applications for funding through the EAF 2012 call for proposals were screened against mandatory program criteria. Successful projects demonstrated they were able to create or enhance accessibility for Canadians with disabilities and involve community partnerships.
At least 25 percent of the total funding for each project comes from non-federal government sources.
SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada
Contacts: Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559; [email protected], Follow us on Twitter
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