Signing of Agreement to Assist People with Disabilities

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Signing of Agreement to Assist People with Disabilities

An agreement designed to help Nova Scotians with disabilities participate in the labour market will be signed by Community Services Minister David Morse and Liza Frulla, Minister of Social Development Canada, today, April 5.

"The agreement is an important step in the right direction in our efforts to improve the quality of life for all Nova Scotians with disabilities," said Mr. Morse. "We look forward to further strengthening and broadening opportunities for these Nova Scotians and welcome additional federal dollars to support these efforts."

"Canada must take full advantage of the talents and abilities of all of its citizens," said Ms. Frulla. "This agreement is designed to help Nova Scotians with disabilities overcome the obstacles they face in entering the labour market and ensure that they are able to participate fully in our economy and society. I am so pleased to work with my provincial counterpart on this national priority."

The agreement supports a broad range of programs and services to respond to the needs of people with disabilities, from skills development to encouraging employer readiness, from supporting a person at work to ensuring that a person is able to remain working. Signed under the Multilateral Framework for Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, it replaces the existing Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities initiative, through which the government of Canada contributes funding to help to support Nova Scotia labour market programs for adults with disabilities. Nova Scotia will be reporting to its citizens annually on progress made under the agreement.

The Canada-Nova Scotia Agreement is an example of governments working in partnership to support people with disabilities in their efforts to become more fully included in all aspects of society.