Building a barrier-free Canada can only be achieved if we work together, which is why the Government of Canada continues to support and collaborate with organizations across the country to improve accessibility, safety and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities and workplaces.
In celebration of National AccessAbility Week 2023, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced the Government of Canada's investment through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) mid-sized projects component to support infrastructure accessibility projects led by 14 organizations, to help increase the social participation and labour market opportunities of persons with disabilities.
Minister Qualtrough made the announcement during a visit to the Neeginan Center Inc, an organization that promotes the social, educational and entrepreneurial growth of the Indigenous community in Winnipeg. It offers employment readiness programs, career counseling, placement services, as well as educational and health programs. The Centre received $543,321 in funding through the EAF mid-sized projects component to improve safe access to its facility by persons with disabilities with the construction of an interior ramp, installation of an elevator, and the building of accessible doors and washrooms.
Today's funding announcement results from a 2021 call for proposals under the EAF mid-sized projects component that provided contributions of up to $1 million to support larger retrofit, renovation, or construction projects. The approved projects seek to improve access to employment preparedness programming and services, social inclusion community programming, sports and recreation programming, and peer-led support and/or workforce onboarding and retention programs for persons with disabilities.
This funding supports the employment of persons with disabilities, and the development of accessible and inclusive communities, which are two pillars under the Government of Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan. It also contributes to the Government's on-going commitment to create a truly inclusive Canada, free of physical, societal, and attitudinal barriers.
