NICKEL BELT-GREATER SUDBURY – The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding for projects that make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. Eligible organizations can apply now to the small project component of the EAF until July 13, 2020 at 3:00pm for up to $100,000 in funding for small construction projects such as the renovation or retrofitting of existing spaces to improve accessibility, and/or to make information more accessible with communication technologies.

The application period to become a Youth Accessibility Leader is also open for applications until October 30^th, 2020. This opportunity will allow young Canadians to help make Canada more accessible by helping create greater awareness about accessibility needs and encouraging organizations to apply for EAF funding to address existing accessibility barriers.

With programs such as the EAF, the Government of Canada is breaking down the barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in all aspects of Canadian society, ensuring that everyone has equal access and opportunity.

Providing support to help people of all abilities access communities and workplaces is a key part of the Government’s plan to create a more inclusive and accessible Canada. This is done in part through project funding and partnerships with municipalities through Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury.

Quote

“Funding through EAF has made a real difference in Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury. Since 2015, over $1.2 million has been allocated to organizations and municipalities in our riding to help them break down barriers and ensure better opportunities for residents. Some of the funded projects have included the Azilda therapeutic pool, lifts for the Chevaliers de Colombs facilities in Field, ramps for the Valley Community Theatre and a more accessible community website for the municipality of St.-Charles just to name a few. We are stronger when all residents can live, play and work in inclusive environments. I strongly encourage all eligible organizations to take advantage of this new call for proposals and keep our communities better interconnected.” – Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt

Quick Facts

• Budget 2017 provided $77 million over ten years, starting in 2018-19, to expand the activities of the EAF, allowing the program to support even more small and mid-sized projects and to launch a new youth-driven innovation component, so that Canadians of all abilities have better access to their community spaces and workplaces.
• The EAF is part of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. Through this plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

Associated links

Apply for small components of Enabling Accessibility Fund
Become a Youth Accessibility Leader
Enabling Accessibility Fund
Making an accessible Canada for people with disabilities
Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

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Media Contact:

Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant
Marc G. Serré, MP Nickel Belt
705-897-2222
[email protected]