FRANCAIS

April 23, 2004

Manitobans with disabilities will benefit from a total of over $800,000 in provincial support for employment services, tax benefits and transportation funding, Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick, minister responsible for persons with disabilities, announced today.

“The funding in these three areas directly supports Manitobans with disabilities in achieving full citizenship, greater participation in society and more self-sufficiency by taking advantage of opportunities to join the workforce,” said Melnick.

Employment assessment and job search assistance, provided by Reaching E-Quality Employment Services, is being supported with $411,028 in funding from Manitoba Advanced Education and Training. The Winnipeg-based, non-profit organization offers a wide range of employment related services to people with disabilities and, with the funding, will be able to serve over 580 Manitobans.

“People with disabilities require a complete range of employment related services and Reaching E-Quality Employment has an excellent reputation in meeting such needs,” said Advanced Education and Training Minister Diane McGifford.

The minister also announced a new tax deduction will recognize the additional employment and education-related costs borne by persons with disabilities. As well, caregivers will have improved tax recognition of certain medical and disability-related costs they bear on behalf of persons with disabilities.

In addition, 61 communities in the province will share $391,600 in handi-transit operating grants. This represents the final payment for 2003-04, as municipalities received an interim grant in September 2003. The grants, from Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade’s Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation program, provided unconditional operating support totalling $779,600 in 2003-04.

“Accessible transportation is an important part of independence,” said Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk. “Supporting handi-transit and ensuring all Manitobans can participate fully in community life is part of building strong communities.”

The Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program provides operating and capital support to municipalities that have made a commitment to the establishment and operation of a handi-transit service. Eligible municipalities receive an annual operating grant equivalent to 37.5 per cent of eligible gross operating expenses to a maximum of $20,000 for communities operating one vehicle or $30,000 for communities operating more than one vehicle.

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