Government improves accessibility for Canadians with disabilities

December 28, 2009

OTTAWA  –  Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright has been pleased to see more concrete results of work done on behalf of those with disabilities. “Enabling Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their community and the economy will benefit not only communities, but Canada as a whole,” he explained.

Benoit was referring to one of the Conservative Government’s key initiatives to expand opportunities for people with disabilities – the Enabling Accessibility Fund, which is a $45 million, three-year commitment.

“This year, the Fund is making more than $5.6 million available to support community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility and reduce barriers,” said Benoit. “Examples would be building interior or exterior ramps, automated door openers, an accessible washroom or installing a wheelchair lift in a community-based vehicle.”

Benoit points out that the challenges faced by people with disabilities, while living their day-to-day lives, are numerous and often go unnoticed. “That is why our Government is dedicated to supporting these individuals, and their families,” he stated. “These projects demonstrate the progress we are making as a society in helping people with disabilities integrate fully into our communities. There is more to do, but we are working on ensuring we succeed.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan and other recent federal initiatives are also addressing the needs of people with disabilities through a series of important measures:

• investing $1 billion in renovations and energy retrofits for social housing, including renovations which support people with disabilities;
• allocating $75 million for the construction of new social-housing units for those with disabilities; and
• providing tax relief measures which recognize the additional costs resulting from a disability or a medical condition.

Benoit points out that the Conservative Government also introduced the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). “This plan is an important way for families and loved ones to contribute to the financial security and well-being of people with severe disabilities,” he explains.