Introduction to Multilateral Framework for Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities

On December 5, 2003, Ministers Responsible for Social Services¹ approved the Multilateral Framework for Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, which replaces the Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities initiative. Ministers also approved the companion Framework for Demonstration or Bilateral Evaluations, which will be used to guide joint evaluation undertakings, as well as jurisdictional evaluations where appropriate.

The Multilateral Framework reaffirms the commitment of governments to work towards ensuring that people with disabilities can participate successfully in the labour market, and to report to Canadians on progress made. The goal of the Multilateral Framework is to improve the employment situation of people with disabilities, by enhancing their employability, increasing the employment opportunities available to them, and building on the existing knowledge base.

Under EAPD in 2002-2003, jurisdictions contributed approximately $477 million to eligible labour market programs for people with disabilities, of which $288 million represented provincial funding. The February 2003 federal budget renewed the Government of Canada’s funding commitment for EAPD and its successor at $193 million per year.

The Multilateral Framework will come into effect on April 1, 2004.

1. While the Quebec government subscribes to the general principles of this document, it did not participate in its elaboration. However, it does contribute by sharing information and best practices. The Quebec government intends to continue treating this question with the federal government in a bilateral way. All references to joint positions of the federal, provincial and territorial governments in this document do not include the Quebec government.

Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon have confirmed their support for the principles and direction of the Multilateral Framework. They will continue to provide labour market programs for people with disabilities, and will participate in the Multilateral Framework in the future if outstanding fiscal arrangement issues are resolved. This situation does not represent a change for the territories, which did not participate in EAPD.