OTTAWA, ONTARIO, MARCH 11, 2011-The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today celebrated the accomplishments of people with disabilities during a visit to the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Canada's Ottawa office.
The Ottawa Chapter of the MS Society of Canada received a grant of $27,430 through the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund to improve accessibility to its facilities.
"The Government of Canada has taken many significant steps to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in society," said Minister Finley. "In fact, today is the first anniversary of Canada ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and it's an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions that people with disabilities make."
Canada's ratification of the Convention in March 2010 demonstrated the Government of Canada's commitment to removing obstacles and creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility and enable Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy.
"The support received through the Enabling Accessibility Fund has provided the MS Society with the ability to offer people living with multiple sclerosis, and the public, a fully accessible venue in which to participate in programs and services that enhance quality of life," said Ms. Laurel Mackenzie, Executive Director, Ottawa Chapter of the MS Society of Canada.
- 30 -
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
Enabling Accessibility Fund
The Enabling Accessibility Fund was originally announced in Budget 2007 as a three-year, $45-million program to support community-based projects across Canada.
Budget 2010 has built on the success of this program by providing an additional $45 million over three years to remove barriers for Canadians with disabilities.
There are two components to the Fund. The Small Project Component provides funding of up to $75,000, and the Mid-Sized Project Component provides up to $3 million.
Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- building an interior or exterior ramp;
- installing wider doors or installing automated door openers;
- raising or lowering sinks and/or counters;
- improving lighting and increasing colour contrast;
- building an accessible washroom;
- installing accessible door handles and light switches;
- installing an elevator or lift;
- providing computer enhancements such as voice interactive capability;
- installing a wheelchair lift in a community-based vehicle; and
- other activities that contribute to creating or enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities, and that are deemed acceptable by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
The following types of organizations can apply for funding:
- not-for-profit organizations;
- small municipalities (with a population under 250 000 as per census data);
- small private sector organizations (with fewer than 50 employees and under $5 million in gross revenue per year);
- colleges and universities;
- territorial governments; and
- Aboriginal governments.
