TORONTO, ONTARIO, February 23, 2011 - Canadians who are blind or partially sighted will continue to have access to a unique library as a result of support from the Government of Canada. Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced a one-time grant of just over $7 million to CNIB in support of their accessible library services.
"Canadians with print disabilities rely on this library with its world-class resources and support services, and our Government is proud to step up to ensure the services can continue," said Minister Ambrose. "By providing this one-time funding grant, we are supporting men and women who are blind or partially sighted in their ongoing educational development and quality of life."
Library services fall under the jurisdiction of the provinces and territories, and CNIB is currently exploring service arrangements with the provinces and territories and long-term funding.
The Government of Canada is providing this one-time funding grant under the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, to ensure the CNIB Library can continue producing library materials in alternative formats, such as braille, audio, large print and electronic text. In addition, the funds will go towards updating CNIB's electronic storage systems for its digital collection.
"Our government will continue to stand up for Canadians with disabilities and support a better quality of life for them and their families," concluded Minister Ambrose.
The Government of Canada is committed to finding solutions to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, through partnerships with non-profit organizations and with other levels of government.
To learn more about the Government of Canada's programs for people with disabilities, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability.
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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 supports projects that are designed to improve the participation and integration of people with disabilities in all aspects of Canadian society. More specifically, the program supports a wide range of community-based initiatives that provide effective approaches in addressing social issues and barriers that face people with disabilities.
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 improving opportunities, life chances and the well-being of people with disabilities.
To promote the voice of people with disabilities, grants are provided to national disability organizations to:
- assist in building their capacity;
- increase their effectiveness; and/or
- encourage their viability as critical partners in furthering the disability agenda at the national level.
The Government of Canada invests annually in initiatives that help address the needs of people with disabilities, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF), the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD), the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (OF), Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPDs), and post-secondary education assistance measures for students with disabilities.
To learn more about the Government of Canada's programs for people with disabilities, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability.
