Government of Canada launches new call for proposals for youth-driven accessibility projects
News release
June 5, 2023 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
Young people are leading the way in breaking down barriers to accessibility and enabling the participation of all Canadians in every aspect of society. That is why the Government of Canada is providing opportunities for Canadian youth to develop important skills, while investing in an inclusive and accessible Canada.
Today, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, launched a new call for proposals under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) youth innovation component. Canadian youth between the ages of 15 and 30 are encouraged to demonstrate their leadership and allyship by applying to become youth accessibility leaders through the EAF’s youth innovation component. Youth accessibility leaders help to identify barriers within their communities and then partner with local organizations to help secure up to $10,000 in accessibility project funding.
Youth are invited to submit their expressions of interest in being named a Youth Accessibility Leader (YAL) online: Canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/enabling-accessibility-fund-youth-innovation.html by October 10, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Canadian organizations partnering with a confirmed YAL, must submit their application for project funding by 5:00 p.m. EDT online on October 31, 2023.
This initiative supports the development of accessible and inclusive communities, which is the focus of pillar three under the Government’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan. It also contributes to the Government’s on-going commitment to create a fully inclusive Canada, free of physical, societal, and attitudinal barriers.
Quotes
“Young leaders know what the barriers to accessibility are and how to address them. This program gives them the resources and creates the local partnerships necessary to make these important changes happen. Young people will develop skills, communities will become more inclusive - and our country will be all the better for it..”
- Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough
Quick facts
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The 2017 Canada Survey on Disability found that one in five Canadians aged 15 and over—or about 6.2 million persons—report as having a disability.
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The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports infrastructure projects across Canada that improve the accessibility, safety and inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities and the labour market. Over 7,200 projects have been funded under the EAF since its launch in 2007, helping thousands of Canadians gain access to programs, services and employment opportunities in their communities.
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Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada committed up to $100 million over two years, starting in 2021-2022, to increase funding for the EAF to help make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities by reducing barriers to employment, activities, and programs.
Associated links
Contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough
343-576-1628
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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