Press Release
For immediate release
March 13th, 2025
 
 
NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY - Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, Marc G. Serré, on behalf of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, is proud to announce the Sturgeon Falls Curling Club has been awarded $125,000 in funding under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) to enhance accessibility for residents with disabilities.
 
Over the past decade, MP Serré has secured over $1.4 million in Enabling Accessibility Funding for the Nickel Belt riding. This funding has benefited numerous local organizations, including the Municipality of Killarney, the Capreol Legion Branch 179, the Gogama Museum, Camp Norland in Verner, and the Chevaliers de Colombs in Field.
 
This project, championed by Mike Gauthier, Treasurer and Accessibility Renovations Chair of the Sturgeon Falls Curling Club, will involve the construction of one accessible ramp, one accessible washroom, one accessible lift, and two accessible doors. For many local seniors and individuals with mobility challenges, this project will provide an opportunity to participate in recreational activities that were previously difficult or impossible to access. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of October 2025. It exemplifies the Government of Canada's ongoing efforts to partner with organizations to improve accessibility and advance disability inclusion nationwide.
 
Quotes:
 
"Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we are helping local organizations such as the Sturgeon Falls Curling Club by supporting small-scale construction, renovation or retrofit projects that increase accessibility in community spaces or workplaces. One project at a time, we are creating a country where no one is left behind." - Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, the Honourable Kamal Khera
 
"As the MP for Nickel Belt, I know how important it is to ensure community spaces like the Sturgeon Falls Curling Club remain accessible to all. Accessibility goes beyond infrastructure—it's about fostering community inclusion and combating social isolation. I wish to commend all volunteers at the curling club for your efforts and contributions. " - Marc G. Serré, MP Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
 
"The Sturgeon Falls Curling Club has been working diligently to make our club or accessible both for curlers with challenges and for other individuals in the community who wish to use our facility.  We are delighted to finally have the funds to complete the accessibility project we have planned - Thank you to the Federal Liberal Government and Marc Serre." - Louise Gauthier President Sturgeon Falls Curling Club.    
 
 
Quick Facts:

• Mike Gauthier, Treasurer and Accessibility Renovations Chair of the Sturgeon Falls Curling Club, played a key leadership role in securing funding and overseeing the accessibility improvements for the club.
• According to the 2022 Canada Survey on Disability, 27% of Canadians aged 15 and over—or about eight million people—report having at least one disability. The disability rate in Canada has increased by five percentage points since 2017.
• The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) program funds essential accessible infrastructure, such as ramps, automatic doors, and accessible washrooms. Many organizations rely on this support to offer programs, services, and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities.
• Over 7,700 projects have been funded under the EAF since its launch in 2007, helping thousands of Canadians access programs, services, and employment opportunities in their communities.
• Locally, accessibility remains a key priority for MP Marc Serré, who has previously supported several initiatives across Nickel Belt to improve access to public services and recreational spaces.
• Since his election, MP Serré has helped secure over $1.4 million in funding for accessibility projects across Nickel Belt, supporting local organizations such as the Municipality of Killarney, the Capreol Legion Branch 179, the Gogama Museum, Camp Norland in Verner, and the Chevaliers de Colombs in Field.
   
   
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  Contact
  Lisa Bucher,
  Communications Officer
  Marc G. Serré, MP for Nickel Belt, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
  705-507-2416