Spending identified for programs and services for persons with disabilities

A report released today outlines over $11 million in planned spending in 2005-06 on programs and services funded under the Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPD).

Paul Shelley, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE), says that the 2005-06 LMAPD report illustrates government successes and future directions in assisting persons with disabilities reach their employment goals. About 10 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians live with a disability.

�This report describes some of the important programs and services to help people with disabilities in our province integrate into the workplace,� said Minister Shelley. �The LMAPD report includes information on program results and outlines projected spending under the LMAPD agreement for the coming year. We will be investing nearly $7 million this year, on top of over $4 million from the federal government, in supports for persons with disabilities in our province.�

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the departments of HRLE, Health and Community Services, Education, and Executive Council provide programs and services to assist persons with disabilities. In addition, government partners with community agencies that receive funding from provincial departments to provide programs and services. For 2005-06, this will see the province invest approximately $6,989,000, as well as a federal contribution of $4,579,000.

The LMAPD came into effect April 1, 2004. The LMAPD report is part of a commitment to provide details on progress concerning the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities in relation to the labour market. A copy of the report can be obtained online at //www.gov.nl.ca/hrle/publications/lmapd/LMAPD2005.htm

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications (709) 729-4062, 690-6047

2005 12 08                 11:40 a.m.