OTTAWA, ONTARIO, December 3, 2009—The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced investments across Canada that will expand opportunities for people with disabilities and improve accessibility.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting people with disabilities and their families,” said Minister Finley. “Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund and other initiatives, our government is helping people with disabilities by improving access to facilities, activities and services.”

Over $5.8 million has been made available from the Enabling Accessibility Fund to support 169 community-based projects. These projects are part of a $45-million, three-year commitment to expand opportunities for people with disabilities and improve accessibility across Canada.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based programs across the country that improve accessibility and enable all Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy.

This fund is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to address the needs of people with disabilities and help them reach their full potential.

December 3 is the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It also marks the one-year anniversary of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Through the RDSP, families and individuals can save for the long-term financial security of a loved one with a disability. To learn more about the RDSP, visit www.disabilitysavings.gc.ca.

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

* $1 billion for renovations and energy retrofits to social housing, including renovations that support people with disabilities.

* $75 million over two years for the construction of new social housing units for people with disabilities.

* $20 million for each of two years to improve the accessibility of federally owned buildings.

* Effective doubling of the tax relief provided by the Working Income Tax Benefit, which includes a supplement for persons with disabilities.

* Extending the increase in the Home Buyers’ Plan limit and the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to people with disabilities who are not first-time home buyers but are buying a more accessible or functional home.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For more information (media only):

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

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