Harper Government improves accessibility for Canadians with disabilities in Thompson, Manitoba
THOMPSON, MANITOBA, March 17, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development, announced improved access for Canadians with disabilities to programs and services in Thompson, Manitoba.
The Manitoba Metis Federation (Thompson Region) is receiving more than $19,000 from the Enabling Accessibility Fund to improve accessibility for Canadians with disabilities. The project involves the construction of a ramp and railing allowing access to a hall within the Federation's building in Thompson, where programs and services are provided and cultural events take place on a regular basis.
Minister Glover also took the opportunity to notify local organizations that they can start submitting community projects under the Harper Government's latest Enabling Accessibility Fund Call for Proposals.
The deadline for submissions is April 27, 2015. Proposals can involve a wide variety of projects; however, priority will be given to projects that enhance access for children with disabilities (e.g. playgrounds and recreational facilities), veterans with disabilities or seniors with disabilities.
It is important to note that municipalities are also eligible to apply under the first priority (access for children with disabilities), since a large number of recreational facilities are under their management. As a result, all municipalities, irrespective of size, have been included as eligible recipients under this priority only and are strongly encouraged to apply.
Over $11 million in funding is available through this year's call for proposals. All applications are reviewed against eligibility criteria, call for proposal requirements and program objectives.
Application information is available on Employment and Social Development Canada's website at http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/disability/eaf/community.shtml.
Quick Facts
- Since the launch of the Enabling Accessibility Fund in 2007, the Government of Canada has funded over 1,800 projects, helping thousands of Canadians gain better access to their communities' facilities, programs and services.
- Under this call for proposals, organizations can receive a grant of up to $50,000.
- Examples of eligible projects could include:
- building accessible playgrounds for children with disabilities
- widening hallways and doorways and installing elevators and automated power doors
- improving lighting, acoustics or contrast
- installing accessible washrooms and service counters
- upgrading facilities that offer programs for adults and/or children with autism and other cognitive/intellectual impairments
- installing assistive technology and installing or updating information technology
Quotes
"With this investment, the Manitoba Metis Federation will be making their facility more accessible and more inclusive. It's an excellent example of the positive benefits of our Enabling Accessibility Fund. I encourage organizations to take this opportunity to submit their new proposals for projects, in particular those for children, such as playgrounds and recreational facilities. Our Government remains committed to supporting Canadians and their families by eliminating barriers and helping all Canadians to fully participate in and contribute to their communities."
– The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface
"The Manitoba Metis Federation (Thompson Region) would like to thank the Government of Canada for the Enabling Accessibility Fund grant received which will cover the cost for a ramp and railing to be built at the South entrance. The Robert Parenteau Memorial Hall located at 171 Cree Road in Thompson accommodates various events hosted by the MMF and other groups and we are happy that soon the facility will be accessible to all."
-Julyda Lagimodiere, Vice-President, Manitoba Metis Federation (Thompson Region)
Associated Links
Backgrounder
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) was originally announced in 2007 as a three-year, $45-million program to support community-based projects across Canada. Economic Action Plan 2013 extended the EAF on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to continue to help improve community and workplace accessibility for Canadians with disabilities.
Since the first call for proposals in 2008, over 1,800 projects have been awarded funding to improve accessibility in Canadian communities and workplaces.
The community accessibility stream of the EAF provides funding to eligible recipients for capital cost projects that improve accessibility. To be considered eligible for funding, projects must be directly related to removing barriers and increasing accessibility for people with disabilities in Canadian communities. All projects must also respond to funding priorities identified during the present call for proposals, including support from their community.
For further information on how to submit proposals under the current call for community-based projects, please visit: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/disability/eaf/community.shtml
SOURCE Canada's Economic Action Plan
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