The Government of Canada is committed to building a fairer country for every generation, where all Canadians have the opportunity to participate and succeed, regardless of their identity or ability. Addressing the barriers experienced by persons with disabilities in securing and keeping good jobs is an important part of this effort, and a way to strengthen Canada's workforce and economy.
That is why today, the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, the Honourable Kamal Khera, announced the launch of the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities (the Strategy). The Strategy aims to close the employment gap between persons with disabilities and those without by 2040. It is a key action of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and contains a range of measures organized around three goals:
- Individuals - help them find and maintain good jobs, advance in their careers or become entrepreneurs;
- Employers - help them to diversify their workforces by creating inclusive and accessible workplaces; and
- Enablers - increase the supply, capacity, and reach of individuals and organizations that support disability inclusion and accessibility in employment.
Today also marks the 5th anniversary of the Accessible Canada Act coming into force, one of the most significant achievements for disability rights in our country to date. To celebrate this milestone, Minister Khera visited the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work where she announced the launch of the Strategy and $6.5 million in funding under the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities that will go to seven organizations across Canada. These organizations work with Indigenous, Black and racialized Canadians with disabilities to provide innovative and culturally relevant supports to help increase access to training and improve employment outcomes for members of these communities facing additional and unique barriers.
