Outlines government support for employment opportunities for Canadians with disabilities
VANCOUVER, March 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), today spoke at the second annual Abilities in Mind (AiM) conference in Vancouver, B.C.
The Embracing Ability: Making it Happen conference brings together Canadians with disabilities, employers and service providers to promote employment opportunities, training and best practices. Several exhibits and over 15 workshops demonstrate innovative and successful practices in building an inclusive, sustainable workforce of people with disabilities.
The Government of Canada is pleased to provide financial support to AiM through the Opportunities Fund as part of a project to raise awareness of the meaningful contribution people with disabilities can make to the workplace.
Quick facts
- Economic Action Plan 2014 introduced additional measures to support Canadians with disabilities and help them get the skills and training they need to prepare for and find work:
- $15 million over three years to the Ready, Willing & Able initiative of the Canadian Association for Community Living; and
- $11.4 million over four years to support the expansion of vocational training programs for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government:
- increased ongoing funding for the Opportunities Fund to $40 million per year so even more Canadians with disabilities can get training for in-demand jobs;
- extended the Enabling Accessibility Fund on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to improve accessibility in facilities across Canada, including workplaces; and
- provided $222 million annually over the next four years, matched by the provinces and territories, through a new generation of Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities.
- Since 2006, the Opportunities Fund has helped over 34 600 people with disabilities across Canada.
Quotes
"Canada's long-term prosperity depends on people entering the labour market, including Canadians with disabilities. People with disabilities can and do make a significant contribution. That's why we are investing in initiatives that help Canadians with disabilities get the support, training and experience they need to join the workforce."
- The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development)
"Now in its third year of operation, AiM works closely with businesses to attract, hire and promote persons with disabilities. With the generous support of the Government of Canada's Opportunities Fund, we are making positive changes in the way organizations approach inclusion in the workplace. Awareness and understanding of the ability in everyone resonates with our business partners and together we are making a difference for persons with disabilities."
- Mark Gruenheid, Program Manager, BC Centre for Ability Association
Associated links
- Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities
- Funding: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
- Funding: Enabling Accessibility
- Economic Action Plan
Backgrounder
Economic Action Plan 2014 builds on earlier measures introduced by the Government of Canada that 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.
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.
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 is maintaining ongoing funding of $40 million per year to the Opportunities Fund.
As announced in Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government will provide $222 million annually over the next four years, matched by the provinces and territories, through a new generation of Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPDs).
This new generation of LMAPDs will better meet the needs of employers and improve the employment prospects of Canadians with disabilities.
SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada
Contacts
Andrew McGrath
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (Social Development)
819-953-2351
[email protected]
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
[email protected]
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