The Government of Canada is committed to creating inclusive workplaces where all Canadians have equal opportunities and barrier-free environments to contribute and thrive. Ensuring accessibility in workplaces and communities is a key part of building a stronger, more inclusive workforce.
Minister Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, has launched a call for proposals under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF). The EAF is a federal grants and contributions program that supports construction, renovation, and retrofit projects aimed at improving accessibility and safety for persons with disabilities.
A total of $12 million will be allocated over three years, starting in 2026-27, to fund projects that remove barriers, improve accessibility, and enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in the labour market and community life. Approximately $2 million of this funding will be dedicated to supporting eligible Indigenous projects, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to accessibility in Indigenous communities.
The program will contribute between $500,000 and $1 million to each of 12 to 24 eligible accessibility projects over the next three years. By removing barriers, the Government aims to create stronger, more compassionate, and equitable workplaces and communities.
Minister Hajdu emphasized that building a barrier-free Canada ensures everyone can reach their full potential. Programs like the EAF are designed to create opportunities, remove workplace barriers, and ensure no one is left behind, contributing to a stronger and more inclusive Canada.
Data shows that the employment rate for working-aged persons with disabilities is lower than for those without disabilities, highlighting the need for continued support and accessibility initiatives. Since its inception in 2007, the EAF has funded over 8,100 accessibility projects across Canada, helping thousands of Canadians access employment, services, and community programs.
