Government of Canada supports Canadians with disabilities get access to the workforce
News Release
January 13, 2018 Hamilton, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
People with disabilities in Hamilton, Ontario who are looking to join the workforce have support from the local YWCA thanks to a Government of Canada funded project. The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, today visited the facility and spoke with YWCA representatives to hear about the success of a project that demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensuring greater participation for Canadians with disabilities in the labour market.
Hamilton’s YWCA received over $150,000 through the Opportunities Fund (OF) for Persons with Disabilities. As a result of the funding, the organization is now able to support people with disabilities in finding, obtaining, and maintaining employment or self-employment. Over a 39-week period, 16 participants will receive Enhanced Employment Assistant Services tailored to meet individual needs followed by a Wage Subsidy to overcome barriers to employment and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a successful transition to the labour market or return to school.
The fact remains that Canadians with disabilities are more likely to be unemployed. Only half of Canadians with a disability aged 25 to 65 are employed versus 80% of the general population. Therefore, getting more people with disabilities into Canada’s workforce helps the overall growth of the middle class.
Projects funded through OF provide supports such as pre-employment programming, self-employment assistance, wage subsidies, workplace accommodations, and employer awareness activities.
Quotes
“We believe in equality of opportunity for all Canadians. I am proud the Government of Canada has funded this program and the work it does to support people with disabilities in Hamilton who want to join the workforce. This is another example of what our Government is doing to improve work opportunities and employment outcomes for Canadians with disabilities. Everyone benefits when we all have the chance to live a productive and rewarding great Canadian life."
– The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
“YWCA Hamilton stands behind its commitment to diversity and inclusion to address the ever-changing needs of our communities. We are responsible and accountable to the people and communities we serve, including Canadians with disabilities. The Opportunities Fund has allowed us to take the first step in providing assistance to individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals and improving their quality of life. We have received an overwhelming response to the program and we hope to continue working with the Government of Canada to help more Hamiltonians realize their full potential as contributing members of a productive workforce.”
– Kathryn Wrong – Employment Counsellor on the Opportunities Program for persons with disabilities, YWCA, Hamilton.
Quick Facts
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The Opportunities Fund has an annual budget of $40 million.
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Since its inception in 1997, the Opportunities Fund has helped approximately 110,000 persons with disabilities across Canada.
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The OF provides financial support to community organizations that assist persons with a permanent physical or mental disability that restricts their ability to perform daily activities.
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OF program participants typically have significant detachment from the labour force and are ineligible for assistance under Employment Insurance Employment Benefits.
Associated Links
Contacts
Annabelle Archambault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
819-934-1122 / TTY: 1-866-702-6967
annabelle.archambault@canada.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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