July 14, 2015 Manotick, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, announced improved access for Canadians with disabilities to programs and services in Manotick.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 314 is receiving $50,000 through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) to improve accessibility for Canadians with disabilities. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 314’s project consists of installing an accessible lift and an automated door. As a result of this project, the organization will be able to offer their programs and services to Veterans with disabilities in Manotick.
This project is one of over 430 new EAF projects across Canada, which represent a total investment of nearly $13 million. The 2015 EAF call for proposals for these projects was open March 16 to April 27, 2015. Under this call, organizations could receive up to $50,000 towards an accessibility project as long as 35 percent of the total eligible costs came from non-federal government sources. In keeping with the Government’s focus on helping families, priority was given to projects that enhance access for children with disabilities (e.g. outdoor playgrounds). Projects that increased access for Veterans with disabilities and seniors with disabilities were also included as priorities.
In addition to this announcement, Minister Poilievre reiterated the Government’s commitment to put money back in the pockets of hard-working Canadian families. This commitment includes increasing the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) from $100 to $160 per month (totalling up to $1,920 per year) for every child under the age of 6 and introducing a new benefit of $60 per month (up to $720 per year) for each child aged 6 through 17. The new benefit amounts are retroactive to January 1, 2015, and will be reflected in monthly payments to recipients beginning in July 2015.
“The Government of Canada is creating opportunities for Canadians with disabilities through Enabling Accessibility Fund support to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 314’s project. Thanks to organizations like yours that care about accessibility, we see first-hand how these kind of projects make a real difference in our communities.”
– The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development
“I am delighted to report that the Legion has reached its fundraising objective, allowing us to install a handicap lift and an automated door. This wouldn’t be possible without ESDC’s contribution of $50,000 from the Enabling Accessibility Fund.”
– Dave Chaffe, Treasurer, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 314
“We are grateful for the support of the federal government. This grant will help facilitate our project, which will enhance accessibility to Veterans, seniors, Legion participants and members of our community with disabilities to the many events held at the South Carleton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.”
– Jean Lanouette, President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 314
Aaron Bell
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Office of the Minister of Employment and Social Development
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Enabling Accessibility Fund
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) was originally announced in 2007 as a three-year, $45-million program to support community-based projects across Canada. Economic Action Plan 2013 extended the EAF on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to continue to help improve community and workplace accessibility for Canadians with disabilities.
The community accessibility stream of the EAF provides funding to eligible recipients for the capital cost of projects that improve accessibility. To be considered eligible for funding, projects have to be directly related to removing barriers and increasing accessibility for people with disabilities in Canadian communities. All projects must also respond to specific eligibility criteria identified in the call for proposals, including support from the community.
For this call for proposals, which closed on April 27, 2015, priority was given to projects that enhance access for children with disabilities (e.g. outdoor playgrounds), Veterans with disabilities or seniors with disabilities.
For further information on the EAF, please visit http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/disability/eaf/.
