$142.8 million toward integration of handicapped workers into labour force

The Quebec government has launched a province-wide program to promote integration and retention of handicapped workers in the labour force. The strategy calls for the injection of an additional $142.8 million into the current funds allocated for the program, with $102.6 million coming from Quebec, the rest from various partners in the project.

"We wanted to eliminate prejudices and promote the hiring of handicapped persons. The government has a responsibility in this process but so does the public," noted Laval-des-Rapides MNA Alain Paquet, citing the contribution of $40.2 million by the private sector in the implementation of the strategy.

"Our party is working toward improving the integration of handicapped persons and the creation of more jobs suited to the handicapped," he added.

The program contains more than 60 measures to encourage hiring handicapped persons and support employers in their efforts to develop the work skills needed by handicapped workers. Focus is also placed on supporting and guiding handicapped workers in their quest for employment, and sensitizing the population and the labour market about the contribution handicapped persons can make in commerce and industry as a source of manpower.

Sam Hamad, Quebec Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity, recently revealed in a press release that a mere 34.8% of working-age handicapped persons are employed, while for the rest of the province's working-age population (15 and over), the participation rate is more than double.

By 2018, the Quebec government wants to reduce the employment gap between these two groups by 50% of the current rate, translating into 54,000 more handicapped persons employed.

"Quebec will be the winner," concluded Alain Paquet, honourary chairperson of the 2009 Quebec Week for the Handicapped.