Gatineau – Investing in accessible infrastructure and making meaningful improvements to existing facilities allows more Canadians with disabilities to fully participate in their communities and readily access the services and programs they need.
Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, visited the Luso Canadian Charitable Society in Mississauga, Ontario, to announce $2.7 million in funding under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) for an accessible infrastructure project that will improve access by persons with disabilities to the organization’s day programs and services. Minister Khera was accompanied by Rechie Valdez, Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Streetsville and Minister of Small Business, Charles Sousa, Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Lakeshore, and Peter Fonseca, Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Cooksville.
This funding is part of the federal government’s investments for the EAF mid-sized projects component, to reduce or eliminate existing waitlists and increase access to programs and services for persons with disabilities, and our commitment to the Canda’s Disability Inclusion Action plan, which aims to improve the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Through this project, Luso Canadian Charitable Services will help to create new jobs for persons with disabilities by improving access to their facilities and services. The project will also create new and upgraded infrastructure including multisensory rooms, an accessible elevator, an accessible drop-off area, accessible doors, accessible washrooms, and accessible ramps. This project represents an excellent example of how, by working with organizations and communities, the federal government continues to increase accessibility and advance disability inclusion across the country. It’s when we work together, project by project, that we can create a truly accessible Canada for all.
“Organizations like Luso Canadian Charitable Society here in Peel region provide a safe and supportive space for persons with disabilities to reach their potential. By investing in projects like the one led by Luso Canadian Charitable Society, we are working with grass-roots organizations to become more accessible and improve disability inclusion, which is a benefit to everyone. In this way, project by project, we will become the truly inclusive Canada that we all want.” – Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera