NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY- Today, on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, Marc G. Serré Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources announced $53,537 in funding for the Gogama Heritage Museum under the small projects component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).

Funding for this project was provided through the EAF Small projects call for proposal in 2020 and is supporting the Barrier Free Access Ramp project. By improving accessibility, the museum will be able to continue its mandate of promoting public interest in the local history of Gogama and the surrounding areas, and supporting cultural, educational and tourism activities and events.

The EAF is a federal grants and contributions program that supports construction projects across Canada that aim to improve the accessibility, safety and inclusion of persons with disabilities. The program funds vital infrastructure such as ramps, automatic doors and accessible washrooms. Many organizations rely on this support so they can offer programs, services and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities.

Last year, the small projects component of the EAF simplified its application process to provide more flexibility to organizations seeking grant funding of up to $100,000 per project. Recently, Budget 2021 provided an additional $129 million over two years to the EAF, starting in 2021-22. This will triple the funding available to support projects with not-for-profit organizations, women’s shelters, children’s centres, small municipalities, Indigenous organizations, territorial governments and businesses of all sizes.

These projects may enable a child with a visual impairment to participate in community activities or make it possible for a person using a wheelchair to access his or her place of work. By working with organizations, the Government of Canada is helping to break down barriers because all Canadians deserve the same opportunities and chance to succeed no matter where they live in the country. 

Quotes

“We know that persons with disabilities are facing new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we build back, a stronger economy that leaves no one behind, the Government of Canada continues to take a disability inclusive approach to our recovery efforts. We will always look for ways to improve accessibility and inclusion for all Canadians, including persons with disabilities.”–Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

“In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities has become even more crucial to our success as a country. 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. Since 2015, over $1.4 million has been allocated to Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury through the Enabling Accessibility Fund. The $53,537 announced today for the Gogama Heritage Museum will surely have a tremendous impact for persons with disabilities in our region and make Gogama more inclusive for all!” - Marc G. Serré, MP for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources

“The Musée Heritage de Gogama Heritage Museum applied for a grant to build a ramp which will help people with physical disabilities as well as seniors access the building.  It will also help in keeping compliant with the regulations for public buildings.  If it was not for MP Serré, this project would not be possible and for that we appreciate his support and say, thank you.” – Helen Beauchamp, Director of Gogama Heritage Museum

Quick Facts

• Since creating the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Government of Canada has supported over 4,700 accessibility projects across the country, improving accessibility in communities and workplaces for persons with disabilities and all Canadians
• The Government has also put in place a number of measures that have supported persons with disabilities during the COVID 19 pandemic, including:
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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 COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group); and,
  • 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 to close to 1.7 million Canadians with disabilities.
• In the Speech from the Throne delivered on September 23, 2020, the Government committed to bringing forward a new Disability Inclusion Action Plan that includes a new Canadian Disability Benefit, a robust employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities, and a better process to determine eligibility for Government disability programs and benefits.

Associated Links

Enabling Accessibly Fund

Hiring persons with disabilities

Making an accessible Canada for persons with disabilities

COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group

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Contact
Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant
Marc G. Serré MP Nickel Belt
705-507-2416/[email protected]