Government of Canada invests in guide and service dog breeding and training facility to support Canadians with disabilities
November 8, 2024 Delta, British Columbia Employment and Social Development Canada
Accessible infrastructure and meaningful improvements to facilities ensures more Canadians with disabilities can fully participate in their communities and readily access the services and programs they need.
Today, the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, Carla Qualtrough, on behalf of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, visited the BC & Alberta Guide Dogs organization in Delta, British Columbia. There, she announced up to $2.7 million in funding to support the development of a state-of-the-art breeding and training centre that will produce more purpose-bred dogs.
This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s investment under the Enabling Accessibility Fund mid-sized projects component that aims to eliminate or reduce existing waitlists and increase access to programs and services for persons with disabilities.
The project, entitled BC & Alberta Guide Dogs Breeding & Training Centre, will also improve the organization’s training departments, easing the experience of current and future purpose-bred dog owners with disabilities through the implementation of an on-site veterinary examination clinic, and an appropriate, equipped, and controlled training environment for Canadians and their dogs. This initiative seeks enhance access to – and the quality of – guided support for Canadians with disabilities across the country.
The funding announced today aligns with the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and the goal of building a truly inclusive Canada, free of physical, societal, and attitudinal barriers.