MONTRÉAL — Data obtained by the NDP reveals that Quebec received barely 3% of subsidies granted through the Enabling Accessibility Fund for persons with disabilities since its creation in 2007. The same documents show that nearly 85% of the 67.4 million from the federal government was given to the country’s Conservative ridings.

“Persons with disabilities across the country should have equal access to federal government funds no matter who represents them in the House of Commons. This is why Quebec should receive its fair share of subsidies, because this aid is vital for persons living with disabilities who need a boost finding a job,” said NDP Critic for Persons with Disabilities, Manon Perreault (Montcalm).

The Enabling Accessibility Fund for persons with disabilities was established in 2007 by the federal government to help persons with disabilities integrate into the job market. The Institut de la statistique du Québec estimates that 765,000 people are living with disabilities in Quebec, 10.4% of the population. And nearly a quarter of those people live in low-income housing.

“Quebecers with disabilities have just as must need as those in other provinces. I’m baffled by the statistics from the Enabling Accessibility Fund. It seems clear that the Conservatives are overlooking support to persons with disabilities in Quebec and it’s unworthy of a government. It’s a flagrant lack of compassion toward vulnerable people,” said Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont-La Petite Patrie).