Summary

• Through employment insurance funding provided by the Government of Canada under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the Province is investing more than $840,000 to support specialized employment training for people in B.C. who are blind, deafblind or have low vision
• As many as 16 participants will benefit from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind Come to Work project receiving funding through WorkBC’s Project-Based Labour Market Training initiative
• Two training cohorts will receive employability and occupational skills training, work experience, placements and follow-up supports from May 2026 until April 2027

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People who are blind, deafblind or have low vision will have new opportunities to gain skills, work experience and connections to employers through an investment of more than $840,000 by the Government of Canada.

“People say they feel better and are better off when they have a job, so we’re removing barriers to skills training,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “In partnership with the Government of Canada, we’re investing more than $840,000 for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind to deliver employment training, experience and supports for people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision.” 

The program is a Project Based Labour Market Training (PBLMT) initiative that will provide group-based full-time training and employment supports to people in B.C. who are blind, deafblind or have low vision. Delivered by Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) in Victoria, New Westminster, Kelowna and Prince George, the program combines essential skills training, occupational skills development, workplace experience and individualized followup support to help participants pursue meaningful employment.

“Canadians who are blind, deafblind or have low vision deserve a fair opportunity to build their skills, pursue meaningful careers and contribute their talents to Canada’s workforce,” said Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “Projects like this help make that possible by breaking down employment barriers and connecting people with good jobs. When governments, community organizations and employers work together, no one is left behind and everyone can have access to the resources they need to find a job and build a good life. That is how we build a stronger, more inclusive workforce, together.”

Through funding provided by the Government of Canada under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the project will help as many as 16 participants who are blind, deafblind or have low vision gain employability and occupational skills and prepare for their careers.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a meaningful career and contribute their skills in the workplace,” said Dana Lajeunesse, parliamentary secretary for accessibility. “I applaud this government investment as it aims to support people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision to overcome employment barriers and gain the training, work experience and confidence they need to build their careers. The partnership with CNIB ensures that we are strengthening connections with employers and supporting more inclusive workplaces in B.C.”

Building skills and reducing barriers

The program will include two cohorts of eight participants, providing training and supports from May 11, 2026, through April 2, 2027.

Participants will receive:

• 11 weeks of essential and employability skills training
• five weeks of occupational skills training
• 13 weeks of on-the-job work experience with local employers
• four weeks of followup support to assist with labour-market attachment and job retention

The initiative is designed to reduce barriers to employment and help participants build confidence, gain workplace experience and strengthen their connection to the labour market.

“The PBLMT program has helped me rebuild the confidence I lost after being away from employment for many years,” said Pei Tien, a project participant from Victoria. “I have strengthened my digital and interview skills, and learned that I have the right to request accommodations during interviews and in the workplace. I now feel better prepared to advocate for myself and pursue meaningful employment.”

Supporting inclusive employment

People who are blind, deafblind or have low vision continue to face barriers to workforce participation. Through targeted training, employer partnerships and practical work experience opportunities, the project will help connect participants with pathways to sustainable employment and strengthen their attachment to the labour market. 

Through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the governments of Canada and British Columbia work together to help people develop the skills they need to find and maintain employment, while responding to the evolving workforce needs of employers and communities. 

Quotes:

Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill – 

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue meaningful work and contribute their talents. CNIB in Victoria has helped many of their clients achieve this aspiration. I am proud that our government is investing in these employment programs to ensure people with disabilities in B.C. have access to skills training and connections they need to achieve meaningful work.”

Diana Gibson, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head – 

“Ensuring everyone in our community can live life to the fullest means providing better access to training, employment and economic opportunities. Through CNIB’s Come to Work project, people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision will receive the support, skills and workplace experience they need to pursue meaningful careers and reach their full potential.”

Ana Booth, executive director, BC-Yukon, CNIB – 

“Nearly a quarter of a million British Columbians have sight loss, yet only two in five are employed due to inaccessible workplaces, technology gaps and misconceptions. Working with the ministry, our previous contract supported nearly 400 people, but some barriers remained. The current Come To Work PBLMT addresses these gaps through assistive technology training, paid work experience and partnerships with inclusive employers, strengthening resilience among both employees and labour market.”

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada is providing more than $840,000 for the CNIB Come to Work Project-Based Labour Market Training Project through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.
• Labour market development agreements are bilateral agreements between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories that support employment programs and services designed to help Canadians prepare for, find and maintain employment.
• Training includes employability skills, occupational skills training and work placements with local employers.
• Cohorts run from May 11, 2026, until April 2, 2027.

Learn More:

• For more information about the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/training-agreements/lmda.html  
• To learn more about the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, visit: https://www.cnib.ca