Centralized enabling workplace fund

On this page

• Mandate of the Centralized Enabling Workplace Fund
• Projects and initiatives
• Key recommendations
• Sunsetting and reporting

Mandate of the Centralized Enabling Workplace Fund

In April 2019, the Office of Public Service Accessibility (OPSA) received $10 million over 5 years to establish the Centralized Enabling Workplace Fund (CEWF), based on the recommendation of the Persons with Disabilities Chairs and Champions Committee.

The CEWF was created to proactively identify and remove systemic barriers to accessibility and inclusion, and support the full participation of persons with disabilities in the federal public service. It funded pilot programs, research projects and hiring initiatives to better recruit, train and promote employees with disabilities.

Projects and initiatives

During its 5-year mandate, the CEWF invested in innovative and experimental projects and initiatives, with a clear focus on solutions.

By applying the principle of “nothing without us,” the CEWF worked with partners to develop cost-effective and practical solutions. The CEWF prioritized projects and initiatives that could be piloted, scaled-up and implemented across the public service.

The CEWF selected projects that fall under 5 broad categories:

1. Workplace accommodation processes, which include projects like the Government of Canada Workplace Accessibility Passport and the Lending Library Service pilot project led by Shared Services Canada
2. Recruitment and retention, such as the Neurodiversity Recruitment Pilot and the LED Lighting Project
3. Centralized models, such as the joint Workplace Accommodation Centre
4. Research and lived experience, which include the Benchmarking Study of Workplace Accommodations and the  Indigenous Federal Employees with disAbilities Survey , created and led by the Knowledge Circle for Indigenous Inclusion
5. Communications and policy projects, which include the review of policy instruments that address workplace barriers  

Key recommendations

As a result of the lessons learned and knowledge gathered through the CEWF investments in innovative projects, the following foundational actions are recommended to continue advancing toward a barrier-free public service by 2040:

• Systematically target the recruitment of persons with disabilities and measure progress
• Streamline the workplace accommodation process and centralize it where possible
• Develop client-centric accommodation centres of expertise
• Document experiences, gather knowledge, and mobilize
• Continue education and awareness campaigns on the Accessible Canada Act and the Duty to Accommodate policy instruments

Sunsetting and reporting

In March 2024, the CEWF’s mandate came to an end. By investing in new tools and resources, research studies and experimental projects, the CEWF was instrumental in helping the public service move towards becoming barrier free.

In May 2024, the CEFW published its final report. The report looks at the work achieved by the CEWF during its mandate and lessons learned. It also provides recommendations for a more accessible public service that leaves no one behind.