Today, on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, announced $100,000 in new funding for the Sundog Trading Post under the small projects component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF). The funding will support the establishment of ramps and an accessible washroom.

The EAF supports construction projects across the country aimed at improving the accessibility, safety and inclusion of persons with disabilities. This year, the small projects component of the EAF introduced a new simplified application process that provides more flexibility to organizations seeking grant funding of up to $100,000 per project.

The program funds important infrastructure such as ramps, automatic doors and accessible washrooms that persons with disabilities rely on. The EAF also supports organizations that break down barriers for persons with disabilities through programs, services and employment opportunities.

Quotes

“Persons with disabilities are facing new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada is listening, taking action and continues to make accessibility and inclusion a priority. We will look for creative ways to respond to these issues and help provide opportunities for all Canadians, including persons with disabilities.”

• Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

“Accessibility and the inclusion of persons with disabilities has become even more crucial to our success as nation as we deal with COVID-19. The projects supported by the EAF Small Projects component show how the Government is working to help Canadians with disabilities gain access and fully contribute to their communities and workplaces. This project will assist in making Yellowknife a more accessible community.”

• Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories

“As we prepare to open a new cafe with homemade, high quality ice cream, and as we look to reopen the building as a hub for Yellowknife outdoor activities, it is very important to us that we create a warm, welcoming environment for everyone. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for this support.”

• Calvin Rossouw, Sundog Cafe, Head Chef

Quick Facts

• This announcement was made on December 3, which every year marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

• Since creating the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Government of Canada has supported over 4,200 accessibility projects across the country, improving accessibility in communities and workplaces for persons with disabilities and all Canadians

• Close to $17M has been earmarked in 2020-21 to support the Small Projects component ($16M) and Youth Innovation component ($1M) of the Enabling Accessibility Fund.

• This call for proposals is the first funding call launched since recent improvements were made to the program to better respond to the needs of organizations. Improvements include:
• • making the application process easier,
  • receiving funding decisions more rapidly, and
  • providing additional guidance on the accessibility standards required for the projects.

• In response to COVID-19, organizations were also granted more time to complete their projects.

• The Government has also put in place a number of measures to support persons with disabilities during the COVID 19 pandemic, including:
  • a comprehensive support of nearly $9 billion for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit which provided $1,250 per month in financial relief to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates, with an additional $750 for students with disabilities;
  • a one-time payment of up to $600 to persons with disabilities, to help with additional expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic that was provided close to 1.6 million Canadians with disabilities on October 30th, 2020;
  • an investment of $350 million to charities and not-for-profit organizations to deliver essential services;
  • a one-time special payment through the Goods and Services Tax and Harmonized Sales Tax credit for low- and modest-income Canadians, including persons with disabilities, and
  • guidance issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada on COVID-19 and Persons with Disabilities as well as the Public Health Ethics Framework (both of which included significant contributions from the Advisory Group).

• In the Speech from the Throne delivered on September 23, 2020, the Government committed to bringing forward a new disability inclusion plan that includes a new Canadian Disability Benefit, a robust employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities that emphasizes the economic benefits of disability inclusion, and a focus on training, employment supports and the removal of barriers.

Associated Links

Enabling Accessibly Fund

Hiring persons with disabilities

Making an accessible Canada for persons with disabilities