Every Canadian deserves to fully participate in all aspects of society and to contribute to our communities and the economy. For this reason, the Government of Canada continues to support organizations across the country, who are investing to make spaces, communities, workplaces, services and systems more accessible and improving the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

“Making sure persons with disabilities are able to participate in all aspects of their communities is a critical component of Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan. By helping organizations across Canada make their buildings more accessible through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, we’re removing barriers to participation that often go overlooked.”

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

“The reconfiguration of 55 rue Marengère to an adapted residence for persons with disabilities is an excellent example of what the Enabling Accessibility Fund can do for our communities. Once completed, the initiative will allow Gatineau residents with disabilities to stay within their communities, where their families and loved ones are, and maintain their daily routine. I am particularly proud to see our community organizations join forces, with the support of the Government of Canada, to improve accessibility and the inclusion of persons with disabilities across the Outaouais.”

– Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau

• The 2017 Canada Survey on Disability found that one in five Canadians aged 15 and over—or about 6.2 million persons—report as having a disability.

• The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports infrastructure projects across Canada that improve the accessibility, safety and inclusion of persons with disabilities in communities and the labour market. Over 7,200 projects have been funded under the EAF since its launch in 2007, helping thousands of Canadians gain access to programs, services and employment opportunities in their communities. 

• Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada committed up to $100 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to increase funding for the EAF to help make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities by reducing barriers to employment, activities, and programs.

• National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2023 takes place from May 28th to June 3rd, and is a nationwide week of recognition, celebrating the many social, economic, cultural and political achievements of persons with disabilities. The theme for NAAW 2023 is: “Disability inclusion: from possibilities to practice”.

Related products

• Backgrounder – Organizations funded under the 2022 Enabling Accessibility Fund small projects component

Associated links

• National AccessAbility Week
• Enabling Accessibility Fund
• Call for proposals launched to increase disability inclusion and accessibility in communities, workplaces and early learning and child care facilities
• Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Contacts

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tara Beauport
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
343-576-1628
tara.beauport@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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