Speaking Notes
for
the Honourable Diane Finley
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
and
Regional Minister for Southwestern Ontario
to celebrate
18 projects under the Enabling Accessibility Fund
at
Delhi German Home
Delhi, Ontario
November 18, 2011
Check against delivery
Hi, folks—and thank you Ron for the kind introduction.
It’s great to be home and it’s especially great when I can combine it with my day job.
Before I begin, I want to say thanks to Katrina for having us here for this happy occasion.
And we do have a lot to be happy about—and to be proud of.
We’re here to celebrate the success of some projects from right here in Southwestern Ontario that improve accessibility for people with disabilities. One of the projects is right here at the Delhi German Home.
When you came in here today, you may have noticed new automatic door openers, a wheelchair lift for access to the lower level and the accessibility features in the washrooms.
This was made possible with an investment of $31,000 from my department’s Enabling Accessibility Fund. Now, more people in our community can participate in and enjoy the social and recreational activities at this club.
The Delhi German Home is one of 18 projects across Southwestern Ontario that benefited from our government’s investment.
The Enabling Accessibility Fund is designed so all Canadians can participate fully in and contribute to their communities.
More than 600 projects in communities across Canada have been able to improve accessibility and remove barriers as a result of this Fund.
Helping Canadians, regardless of their abilities, is the kind of thing that we want to see in our communities.
As a matter of fact, the Fund has been so successful that, a year ago, we extended it for three more years.
In addition, we expanded it to include larger renovation projects so that even more people will benefit.
And, there’s a side bonus to the Enabling Accessibility Fund.
As many of you have heard me say, our government’s top priority is jobs and the economic recovery.
Each of these projects that make facilities more accessible, no matter how small, contributes to that objective.
We need people for the construction, renovation and installation of products. This translates into work and income for people in local communities, just like Delhi.
But, the main objective of this Fund is about helping people with disabilities participate fully in our society.
Our government has introduced several measures to that end, such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, job skills and development programs and post-secondary education grants for students with disabilities.
The Government of Canada recognizes the abilities of all Canadians and celebrates the progress we have made as a society towards the full inclusion of people with disabilities.
In closing, let me express my appreciation to our host, the Delhi German Home, and to all of the organizations in this part of Ontario who are working for a more inclusive society.
The work done here and throughout this region makes me proud to come from here and be your regional minister. It also reminds me of the meaningful improvements being made for those of all abilities across the country.
Thank you.
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