Sep 06, 2008 - 05:55 PM

Joanne Burghardt

WHITBY -- On the eve of a federal election call, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is lauding a $15 million windfall announced today for his home riding of Whitby-Oshawa.

The money is an investment in the Abilities Centre Durham, made through the Enabling Accessbility Fund (EAF), part of a $45 million commitment over three years made in the 2007 budget to expand opportunities for people with disabilities and improve accessibility across Canada.

“The Abilities Centre Durham provides recreation, sports and arts opportunities to people of all abilities and ages in the Durham region and the Town of Whitby. It is deeply important to so many families in this community, and that’s why I’m so pleased to see this investment being made,” said Mr. Flaherty.

Monte Solberg, federal Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, announced yesterday the first round of investments for the EAF were being delivered. The EAF supports both small and major community-based projects across Canada . Funding for small projects improves accessibility and enables Canadians who are living with a disability to participate in and contribute to their communities and the economy. Projects may include installing ramps, improving lighting, building accessible washrooms and installing voice-interactive computers.

The Abilities Centre Durham plans to build a fully accessible recreational, athletic and performing arts facility that will be used by individuals and groups of all ages who have varying abilities. It is planned that the Abilities Centre Durham will be an international leader in helping people of all ages focus on their abilities and enhance their confidence and independence. The organization will also provide supportive services such as life management counselling, training and assistance in order to gain employment.

“I have been a supporter of the Abilities Centre Durham since its inception,” Mr. Flaherty said.

 “I am proud of the work that my Conservative colleagues and I have done in ensuring that our government continues to provide the financial support it needs to improve the quality of life for people in Whitby and the surrounding area.”

“This facility is the type that people expect governments to invest in. It delivers real results for people from all walks of life,” Mr. Flaherty said. “It is a tangible example of the commitment the Conservative government has to the Durham region and the Town of Whitby .”

In April federal opposition parties raised concerns about the fund to create more accessible activities centres. Critics claimed the 30-day deadline -- April 1-30 of this year -- to receive proposals for funding, gave the Abilities Centre an unfair advantage over other facilities that may not be ready to request cash from a $45-million fund.

Concerns were raised about favouritism because Mr. Flaherty's wife, Whitby-Oshawa MPP Christine Elliott, and his executive assistant, Nancy Shaw, are on the board of directors for the centre.

In speaking to newsdurhamregion.com, Mr. Flaherty dismissed potential criticism of today's announcement.

"People are always going to be critical of the finance minister when he does something for his own community," said Mr. Flaherty.

The project is important not just for Whitby and Durham Region, he said, but also for the entire country. It will be an example on which other communities can base their own ability centres.

According to Mr. Flaherty another $3 million will be coming from the Province and $3 million from the municipality. 

-- With files from Melissa Mancini