THUNDER BAY – “We believe that everyone should have the same accessibility and opportunities in their communities and workplaces. Accessibility needs to be at the heart of everything we do. That is why the Government of Canada is engaging with Canadians across the country to inform the development of world-class accessibility legislation,” says The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.
A total of $69,261 through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) has been approved for Thunder Bay-Rainy River. This money will be used to improve accessibility for Canadians with disabilities through renovations and construction of community facilities and venues in Thunder Bay—Rainy River. The Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge, the Township of Gillies and Community Clothing Assistance in Thunder Bay and were successful in their applications for funding.
Canadians with disabilities face challenges every day which inhibit them from participating fully in their community and workplace. The Government of Canada is committed to reducing these accessibility barriers and ensuring that everyone has equal access and opportunity through programs such as the EAF. This is why Budget 2016 provided an additional $4 million over two years, starting in 2016–17, to support the capital costs of construction and renovation related to improving physical accessibility and safety for Canadians with disabilities in their communities.
The EAF Workplace Accessibility Stream gives eligible businesses and other employers across Canada the opportunity to submit funding proposals for projects that improve accessibility and safety for people with disabilities through renovations, retrofits or construction of workplaces, including the provision of accessible information and communication technologies for work use.
“Today’s announcement is another example of what the Government of Canada is doing to help Canadians of all abilities to fully participate in and contribute to their workplaces and communities. And I encourage all eligible businesses and community organizations to join their efforts and make our communities and workplaces more inclusive for all Canadians,” commented Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River.
