Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, has made the following statement regarding Disability Employment Month:

This September marks the fourth annual Disability Employment Month in British Columbia and provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce, and the employers and communities who support their success.

On Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, the Province will increase funding by $6 million annually for the BC Healthy Kids Program, bringing the current investment in the program to almost $30 million a year.

A partnership between the Province and the City of Surrey is developing new strategies to help local manufacturers grow their operations and create good jobs.

The British Columbia government is eliminating tuition fees on Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) programs, opening the door for tens of thousands of people to upgrade their education and skills every year.

The John Horgan government is taking swift action to reduce poverty in British Columbia by lifting income assistance and disability assistance by $100 a month.

Twenty-three of British Columbia’s top business leaders have come together to achieve one common goal – to support and encourage meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities throughout the province.

Up to 30 unemployed Lower Mainland residents will receive skills training and work experience in office and medical office administration thanks to a new Community and Employer Partnership with Vancouver Community College.

The Province, along with YWCA Metro Vancouver, Valley Driving School, and six Lower Mainland trucking employers have joined forces to make sure that more women have the opportunity to train for a career in B.C.’s trucking industry.