Government of Canada helps improve accessibility for people with disabilities in Quebec

SAINTE-AURÉLIE, QUEBEC, July 10, 2009 —Loisirs et culture de Sainte-Aurélie will undertake renovations to make its chalet accessible to people with disabilities with support from the Government of Canada. The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Member of Parliament for Beauce, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Our government is breaking down barriers and improving accessibility across the country to improve the quality of life for Canadians with disabilities,” said Mr. Bernier. “With this investment, the social and cultural activities of Loisirs et culture de Sainte-Aurélie will be accessible to all members of the community, including people with disabilities.”

The organization is receiving $50,000 from the federal Enabling Accessibility Fund to help it remove physical barriers by enlarging entrances, installing ramps and making washrooms accessible.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund is a $45-million, three-year federal commitment to improve accessibility across Canada. The Fund helps communities benefit from the participation of people with varying abilities in everyday life activities.

The Government of Canada’s policies, programs and services support opportunities for all Canadians, including people with disabilities, to participate in all aspects of life. Canada’s Economic Action Plan and other recent federal initiatives also address the needs of people with disabilities and their families through important measures that include:

• $1 billion for social housing energy retrofits and renovations that increase accessibility, including renovations that support people with disabilities;
• $400 million over two years for the construction of new social housing for seniors, including seniors with disabilities;
• an additional $75 million over two years for the construction of new social housing units specifically for people with disabilities;
• $20 million per year for two years to improve the accessibility of federally owned buildings;
• increasing the maximum amount of the Working Income Tax Benefit, including the supplement for people with disabilities;
• extending the Home Buyers’ Plan and the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to people with disabilities who are not first-time home buyers but are buying a more accessible or functional home;
• beginning in fall 2009, increasing access to post-secondary education for students with permanent disabilities, including a new Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with a Permanent Disability.
• creating an Enabling Accessibility Fund to support community-based construction and renovation projects across Canada that improve physical accessibility for people with disabilities; and
• creating the Registered Disability Savings Plan and matching grant and income-tested bond as a way to help eligible individuals with disabilities, parents and others save for long-term financial security.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Further information on federal programs for people with disabilities can be found at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For more information (media only):

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Backgrounder

Budget 2007 announced the creation of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF), which committed $45 million over three years for projects that improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

The objective of the EAF is to support community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility, reduce barriers and enable Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy.

The EAF has two funding streams: small projects and major projects. Eligible activities for small projects funding include renovations for buildings within Canada that improve physical accessibility; the enhancement of existing transportation through the modification of an existing vehicle that improves physical accessibility; and the modification or enhancement of media and/or hardware in order to increase accessibility to information and communication. All projects must be accessible to the public.

The major projects stream provides contribution funding of between $1 million and $15 million for participatory abilities centres, which assist people with varying abilities and support social and labour market integration. These centres enrich quality of life and help people with disabilities achieve their goals. They encourage the pursuit of knowledge, skills development, and physical and mental health. Centres may offer services and programs ranging from fitness instruction, to educational activities, to art therapy.