WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Oct. 1, 2012) - The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Winnipeg Region is increasing accessibility for people with disabilities and enabling them to participate more fully in their community, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund.
The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, congratulated CMHA - Winnipeg Region on the grand opening of their new facility today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Our government recognizes the abilities of all Canadians and is committed to removing barriers to participation for people with disabilities," said Minister of State Fletcher. "We are proud to work with the CMHA - Winnipeg Region, which is helping Canadians gain greater access to facilities, programs and services in their communities."
The CMHA - Winnipeg Region received $50,000 to improve accessibility at its facility by widening doorways, building an accessible washroom, lowering sinks and counters and installing accessible door handles, light switches and interior tactile signage.
"CMHA Winnipeg Region is pleased to see this important project come to fruition and is very grateful to all of our project contributors, including HRSDC, for their incredible support," said Nicole Chammartin, Executive Director, CMHA - Winnipeg Region. "One in five Canadians are impacted by mental illness, and creating safe and accessible places for those impacted to access services benefits all of us."
For more information on the Enabling Accessibility Fund, see the attached backgrounder or visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability.
This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
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BACKGROUNDER
Enabling Accessibility Fund - Small Project Component
The Enabling Accessibility Fund was originally announced in 2007 as a three-year, $45-million program to support community-based projects across Canada. In 2010, the Fund was extended with an additional three-year, $45-million commitment and the creation of a new mid-sized component. Since the first call for proposals in 2008, over 800 projects have been awarded funding to improve accessibility in Canadian communities.
As part of the Government's continued commitment to supporting Canadians with disabilities, Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012 also provided an additional $30 million invested over three years in the Opportunities Fund. This funding will enable more Canadians with disabilities to obtain work experience with small and medium-sized businesses. As well, through the Registered Disability Savings Plan, beneficiaries and their families will have increased flexibility to establish, contribute to and access savings from their plans.