MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO, April 26, 2010-The Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada has received a grant of nearly $400,000 through the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability component.
Senator Vim Kochhar and Mr. Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Erindale, announced the funding today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"The Government of Canada is committed to providing all Canadians with opportunities to reach their potential," said Senator Kochhar. "It is a privilege to partner with great organizations, like the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada, that work to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by removing barriers to their greater participation in society."
"Our government is assisting youth with Tourette Syndrome transition from school to work, and reach their full potential," said Mr. Dechert.
The Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada will receive $398,326 between January 22, 2010, and March 31, 2012, for its projectEqual Youth with TS. This project will equip youth with Tourette Syndrome across Canada with the skills to advocate for themselves and assist them in making the transition from school to work. The project will also increase awareness and the profile of Tourette Syndrome on a national level.
"This contribution will give thousands of Canadian youth with Tourette Syndrome and related disorders the opportunity to channel their amazing creativity and talents into the brightest of futures," said Ms. Rosie Wartecker, Executive Director of the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada. "Young people with invisible disabilities will find valuable resources and guidance through interactive workshops, conferences and online tools designed to help them transition successfully through the school system and into the workforce."
The Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability component has supported a wide range of community-based initiatives that help people with disabilities overcome social and economic barriers to full participation in society.
To learn more about the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability.
The Government of Canada is committed to helping people with disabilities and their families participate fully in our country's social and economic life. The Government's Jobs and Growth Budget proposes a number of actions:
- a 10-year carry-forward of Canada Disability Savings Grant and Canada Disability Savings Bond entitlements, because some families may not be able to contribute regularly to their Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP).
- allow a deceased individual's Registered Retirement Savings Plan or Registered Retirement Income Fund proceeds to be transferred, tax‑free, to the RDSP of a financially dependent disabled child or grandchild.
- $45 million over the next three years to extend and expand the Enabling Accessibility Fund, which enhances accessibility for people with disabilities.
- a one-year $30-million increase in funding for Skills Link, a component of the Youth Employment Strategy, which helps youth facing a range of circumstances, including young people with disabilities.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
The Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program aims to increase the effectiveness of the not-for-profit sector in meeting the social development needs and aspirations of people with disabilities. It does so by supporting innovative solutions to remove barriers and improve access to programs and services.
Under the Disability component, the federal government has provided grant funding to national disability organizations since 1998 to increase the accessibility of information, programs and services, with a view to improve opportunities, life chances and the well-being of people with disabilities.
The objectives of the Disability component are to:
- support the development and use of effective approaches to address social issues and barriers confronting people with disabilities;
- develop, exchange and apply knowledge, tools and resources that sustain social inclusion for individuals, families and communities;
- foster collaboration, partnerships, alliances and networks to address existing and emerging social issues; and
- recognize and support the ability of not-for-profit organizations to identify and address social development priorities.
