Three organizations can move forward with accessibility projects thanks to funding from the federal government, Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré announced July 22.
On behalf of Carla Qualtrough, the minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Serré announced that a total of $121,632 in funding through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) was made available in the region.
St. Paul the Apostle received $23,674 for accessible washrooms and an accessible door. The Municipality of Killarney received $38,946 for accessible washrooms and doors. And
Royal Canadian Legion Capreol Branch 179 received $59,012 for unspecified work.
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 our communities, information provided by the MP states. The program helps provide accessible infrastructure such as ramps, automatic doors and accessible washrooms. It directly supports organizations so they can offer programs, services and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities.
Serré also highlighted that two new calls for proposals under the EAF Mid-sized projects and Youth Innovation components are being accepted.
The mid-sized projects component provides contributions of up to $1 million to support larger retrofit, renovation or construction projects in facilities that house programs and services that help increase social participation and labour market opportunities for persons with disabilities in Canada. 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.