Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, highlighted a project led by an organization in Hay River that is receiving up to $70,000 in funding under the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Small Projects component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).

Funding is being provided to Setsi'e Frederick Daycare to assist in the construction of a ramp and paving to help make their facility more accessible. Construction has started, and the ramp is nearing completion.

Up to $25 million in grants and contributions has been allocated, over two years, through the ELCC component of the EAF. As a result of the last call for proposals launched on December 3, 2021, a minimum of 225 early learning and child care centres across Canada will receive support for projects that will help to improve accessibility and safety. Projects include accessible infrastructure improvements such as the installation of ramps, doors, washrooms, elevators, lifts, and playgrounds, as well as accessible information and communication technology.

Today’s announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating a Canada-wide early learning and child care system that is disability inclusive and accessible. A system that provides families with access to high quality, affordable and inclusive early learning and child care centres that are adapted to their needs.

The EAF is a federal grants and contributions program that supports construction projects across Canada that improve the accessibility, safety and inclusion of persons with disabilities in their communities and the labour market. The program helps provide vital accessible infrastructure and directly supports organizations so they can offer programs, services and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities.

MP McLeod also highlighted a new CFP under the EAF Youth Innovation component, was launched during National AccessAbility Week (May 29-June 4). The Youth Innovation component seeks to engage and challenge youth between 15 and 30 years of age, to volunteer and collaborate with local organizations in their communities to secure funding of up to $10,000 for accessibility projects that remove barriers in their communities. More information is available on the Enabling Accessibly Fund web page on Canada.ca.]

This program aligns with the objectives of the Government’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, specifically the creation of disability inclusive spaces. It will also help support an inclusive recovery by removing barriers to the participation of parents and guardians of children with disabilities in the labour market, driving strong and inclusive economic growth as Canada recovers from the pandemic.

Quotes

“Not all parents in Canada have access to child care facilities that meet the specific needs of their family. Through the Early Learning and Child Care Small Projects component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund, our Government is supporting the disability community and all Canadians by facilitating access to disability inclusive and accessible early learning and child care centres. When all children are given the best chance to thrive in inclusive and accessible environments, Canada benefits.” 

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

“Families with children with disabilities continue to face unique challenges to find accessible child care spaces that meet their needs. That’s why we are working towards making child care fully inclusive so all children have the best possible start in life.”

– Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould

 “A truly accessible Canada can only be achieved by working together. I am thankful for the support the Enabling Accessibility Fund has been able to provide organizations in the Northwest Territories to date, and I look forward to seeing what more we can accomplish together.”
– Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, Michael McLeod

“We are thankful for the accessibility funding to create a more inclusive environment from the moment our property is entered.  It will provide ease of access to all of our families.”

- Daycare Coordinator for Setsi'e Frederick Daycare, Nicole Klause

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada has funded over 6,000 projects under the EAF since its launch in 2007, helping thousands of Canadians gain access to programs, services and employment opportunities in their communities.

• Budget 2021 provided new investments totalling up to $30 billion over five years to build a high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive early learning and child care system across Canada. As part of that investment, Budget 2021 included $25 million under the EAF over two years, to make immediate progress for children with disabilities by helping child care centres to install the infrastructure and ICT upgrades needed to improve the accessibility of their facilities.
  
  
• Budget 2022 proposes to provide $625 million over four years, beginning in 2023-24, for an Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund. This funding will enable provinces and territories to make additional child care investments, including the building of new facilities.

• The Government is moving forward with its first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which will include a new Canada Disability Benefit, improved processes for eligibility for Government disability programs and benefits, and a robust employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities. The DIAP will complement the Accessible Canada Act and help create a more inclusive Canada.

Associated Links

Enabling Accessibly Fund

Hiring persons with disabilities

Making an accessible Canada for persons with disabilities