he Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, announced support to help Canadians with disabilities and Aboriginal peoples gain meaningful employment in federally regulated sectors such as banking, transportation and communications.
“In Canada, we depend on the skills of our workers to keep our economy strong. When everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential in the workforce, we all benefit. The funding announced today will help give employers the tools they need to support the long-term integration and career advancement of Canadians with disabilities and Aboriginal peoples.”
– The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
The National Educational Association of Disabled Students is receiving $150,000 for a project that will educate employers on how to make workplaces more accessible and inclusive so they can better attract, retain and advance the careers of employees with disabilities.
“We are very excited about this project and the significant funding support we have received from the Government of Canada. The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) represents post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities right across Canada. This three-year national employment project will have a significant impact on the success of talented persons with disabilities with college and university education in the competitive labour market. We have brought private-sector employers and stakeholder groups to the table to guide the project for maximum impact.”
– Emily Duffett, Chair/Nova Scotia Director, National Educational Association of Disabled Students
To encourage persons with disabilities to consider a career in the transportation sector, the BC Centre for Ability is receiving $460,377 for a project that will create a comprehensive recruitment framework. The funding will also be used to develop strategies for the long-term career development of employees with disabilities to improve retention rates in the sector.
The Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation is receiving $269,950 for a project that will help reduce barriers to employment for Aboriginal peoples. The project will create and strengthen partnerships with large-scale employers in Nova Scotia, particularly those in sectors such as banking and communications where Aboriginal peoples have traditionally been under-represented.
Funding for these projects is being delivered through the Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity (WORBE) program. Through the creation of industry-tailored strategies and partnerships, the WORBE program is providing up to $500,000 annually for projects that improve the representation of persons with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples, women and members of visible minority groups in federally regulated workplaces.
Source: http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-helps-increase-employment-opportunities-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-aboriginal-peoples-520311431.html
