The Government of Canada Improves Accessibility for Canadians

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Sep 05 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social
Development, today announced the first round of investments for the
Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF), as part of a $45 million commitment
over three years made in Budget 2007 to expand opportunities for people
with disabilities and improve accessibility across Canada.

The goal of the EAF is to promote vibrant communities that benefit from
the participation of people with varying abilities in everyday life
activities. Projects include the renovations of buildings, the
modifications of existing vehicles or other improvements that make the
physical environment, information and/or communication more accessible
for all Canadians regardless of their physical ability.

"Our government is committed to helping all Canadians have full access to
opportunities and services in their communities," said Minister Solberg.
"These investments through the Enabling Accessibility Fund will help
people with disabilities by improving access to facilities that many
people take for granted. This is why I am very proud to announce that
under the first tranche of the EAF, we will support 165 projects."

The EAF supports both small and major community-based projects across
Canada. Funding for small projects improves accessibility and enables
Canadians who are living with a disability to participate in and
contribute to their communities and the economy. Projects may include
installing ramps, improving lighting, building accessible washrooms and
installing voice-interactive computers.

Funding for major projects under EAF provides contributions for
participatory abilities centres for either the construction of new
centres or the expansion of existing centres. The objective of abilities
centres is to enrich the quality of life of people with varying abilities
by helping them develop the skills required to achieve goals as well as
the knowledge, confidence and opportunity to lead healthy, active
lifestyles in their communities. These centres emphasize a holistic
approach to individuals with a focus on social and labour-market
integration.

Today's announcement includes two large projects. In Calgary, the Genesis
Centre of Community Wellness project supports the construction of a
225,000 square foot complex to meet the recreational needs of people in
Calgary's growing northeast neighbourhoods, including those with
disabilities. The barrier-free building will offer fitness activities,
educational services and various programs to meet Calgary's urgent need
for an accessible and affordable recreational infrastructure.

In Whitby, the project supports the Abilities Centre Durham, which plans
to build a fully accessible recreational, athletic and performing arts
facility that will be used by individuals and groups of all ages who have
varying abilities. It is planned that the Abilities Centre Durham will be
an international leader in helping people of all ages focus on their
abilities and enhance their confidence and independence. The organization
will also provide supportive services such as life management
counselling, training and assistance in order to gain employment.

Today's announcement also includes 163 smaller projects. The EAF provides
grants of up to $50,000 for small projects enabling accessibility.
Projects will improve accessibility and increase social and economic
participation for people living with disabilities. All projects must be
accessible to the public.

A list of all projects is included in the backgrounder. Federal financial
support for these EAF projects is conditional on the projects' meeting
all EAF eligibility requirements and those of other applicable federal
programs, including the successful conclusion of an EAF contribution
agreement and secured financing.

For more information about the program, please visit
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/eaf/call2008/index.shtml or
call 1-866-268-2502.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

The backgrounder is available at the following address:
http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/kkk.pdf

Contacts:
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
Media Relations Office
819-994-5559

Office of Minister Solberg
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
819-994-2482

Copyright 2008, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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