Subjects: DIS, CFG
/R E P E A T -- Minister Duncan applauds British Columbia projects and organizations that support accessibility, outdoor activity, and more employment opportunities for people with disabilities/
VANCOUVER, April 12, 2018 /CNW/ - Ensuring that people with disabilities are able to fully participate in their communities and workplaces is an important way to build social inclusion in Canada and is a priority for the Government of Canada.
Today, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, made several stops in British Columbia to meet with disability community partners and see some interesting and innovative projects designed to support accessibility, outdoor activity and more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The first stop on Minister Duncan's tour was in Victoria, where she met with Pacific Coast University and the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society to announce funding from the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program. The funding helps people with disabilities to ensure that they have access to necessary programs and services in their communities.
In White Rock, Minister Duncan met with youth community leaders who worked with local organizations to secure government funding, under the Enabling Accessibility Fund youth component, that will help to address accessibility barriers in nine communities.
Minister Duncan then traveled to Surrey to walk the accessible, obstacle-free Wally Ross Trail, designed to enable people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors. Following that, Minister Duncan announced $5,815 in funding from the Enabling Accessibility Fund to two organizations, Chimo Community Services and Chabad of Richmond, to improve accessibility of their facilities.
Later, Minister Duncan visited the Neil Squire Society, where she was given a tour of the facilities and learned how the organization is helping people with disabilities improve their computer skills for the workplace. At the end of the day, Minister Duncan had the opportunity to tour the Pacific Autism Family Centre and meet people with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Quote
"I am so impressed by all the amazing organizations, communities and people I have met that are working so hard every day to break down barriers for people with disabilities and their families in British Columbia. I am proud that our government's funding and support is helping people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities and workplaces. When everyone is included, all of Canada benefits."
? The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
Quick Facts
- The Social Development Partnerships Program helps improve the lives of children and families, people with disabilities and other vulnerable Canadians. The Disability component of this program funds projects that improve the social inclusion of people with disabilities.
- Since the creation of the Enabling Accessibility Fund in 2007, the Government of Canada has funded over 3,000 projects, helping Canadians gain access to their communities' programs, services and workplaces.
Associated Links
News release: Minister Duncan recognizes organizations in Victoria that are making a difference for Canadians with disabilities
News release: Government of Canada celebrates youth leaders and promotes accessibility for Canadians with disabilities
News release: Government of Canada improves accessibility for Canadians with disabilities in Richmond, British Columbia
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
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