The 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017: Focusing on Inclusive Communities

DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 24, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, today announced a contribution of $2 million, through the Canada 150 Fund, to the Rick Hansen Foundation for its Pan-Canadian Signature Project, Access4All. Minister Qualtrough made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Through this investment, the Rick Hansen Foundation will launch an Access4All initiative to raise awareness and address accessibility barriers that persons with disabilities have to face every day. These activities will be offered in communities and schools across the country. An accessibility challenge for young people will also be launched, and tool kits offered to schools and communities so they can assess their own environment. Finally, through this investment, a fund will be created to help a minimum of 50 communities make their public spaces more accessible.

The 150^th anniversary of Confederation is a time to celebrate our common values, our achievements, our majestic environment and our place in the world. It is also an opportunity for Canadians to get involved in their community.

To make 2017 a year that all Canadians will remember, the Government of Canada will continue to invest in Signature projects of national, regional and local scope to raise awareness and invite Canadians to participate in the many activities that will take place throughout the year.

Quick Facts

- The main themes of the Government of Canada's vision for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation are diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the environment and youth.

- The Canada 150 Fund was created in April 2015 and has a total budget of $210 million.

- Through this fund, the Government of Canada will continue to invest strategically in activities that support the vision for the 150^th anniversary and encourage the direct participation of Canadians.

- The Rick Hansen Foundation is a non-profit provincially incorporated organization whose vision is to create a world without barriers for people with disabilities.

Quotes

"The 150^th anniversary of Confederation will touch and inspire Canadians. Let's make the most of this milestone in our history to encourage communities to bring about important changes in their environment and leave a lasting legacy to the young people who will build the Canada of tomorrow."

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"This project from the Rick Hansen Foundation is a great example of inclusion and optimism. Together, we can build a country where every person has a place and where all people can flourish. Let's join together and offer all Canadians a more secure environment, without barriers, for them to reach their full potential."

-The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada for their investment in our Access4All project. With their generous support and the help of the public and our partners, we will engage young people and communities all across our country to remove barriers for people with disabilities. This project will honour Canada's values of inclusion, diversity and accessibility and create a lasting impact for generations to come."

-Rick Hansen, CEO, Rick Hansen Foundation

Associated Links

Canada 150

Canada 150 Logo and Typeface

Rick Hansen Foundation

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