Today, Jean Yip, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt, on behalf of Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, highlighted a project led by Rehabilitation Network Canada in Scarborough-Agincourt that received $1.5 million in funding under the Opportunities Fund (OF).
The Opportunities Fund brings together employers and employees with disabilities, as it seeks to increase the participation of working-aged persons with disabilities in the workforce. The program connects persons with disabilities to skills training, pre-employability services, job placements, wrap-around supports, work experience, access to assistive devices, and mentorship opportunities. It also supports employer awareness programs that can lead to good job opportunities, while also helping to address labour market shortages across key sectors in Canada. Through the OF, more Canadians are able to achieve financial independence and participate in all aspects of society.
Today’s announcement is about funding to the Employ-Ability Program, a regional program, tailored to persons with disabilities residing within Toronto, who are currently unemployed and face barriers to employment. The program focuses on assisting persons with disabilities who may fall within underserved populations (visible minorities, women, etc.) who are further from the labour market with multiple barriers.
This project is an excellent example of how, by working with organizations, the Government of Canada is helping to break down barriers to accessibility and disability inclusion.
The funding announced today supports the Government’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, specifically the employment pillar. It also contributes to the Government’s ongoing commitment to create a truly inclusive Canada, free of physical, societal, and attitudinal barriers.
Quotes
“Persons with disabilities are innovative, creative and hard-working. Yet, we are dramatically underrepresented in the labour market. The Opportunities Fund is a bridge between the disability community and employers. It provides persons with disabilities the training and mentorship needed to succeed in the workforce and helps employers create disability-inclusive workplaces.”
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough
“I am proud to be here to highlight the great work Scarborough is doing to support Canadians with disabilities. Government investments through programs like the Opportunities Fund are helping us to make important and inclusive changes, and I can’t wait to see the impact these and other accessibility projects have in our community.”
– Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt, Jean Yip
“Rehabilitation Network Canada has been servicing persons with disabilities, racialized populations, barriered youth and the general public in the area of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Supports for over 30 years. The Employ-Ability program is designed to provide vocational assistance and support to those who identify with having a disability in the GTA. With a focus on Ability, the program helps match talent with local businesses to achieve gainful employment. Through this program, candidates will be able to access equal opportunity employers, workplace accommodations, retention supports and develop new skills through participation in employment focused workshops. We look forward to continuing to service the community through this new initiative.”
− President of Rehabilitation Network Canada Inc, Carmille Bulley
Quick Facts
- According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, the employment rates of persons with disabilities are much lower than those of Canadians without disabilities —59 per cent versus 80 per cent.
- In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $272.6 million over five years to support the implementation of an Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities through the Opportunities Fund.
SOURCE Government of Canada
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