Karl Fortin

Work with the various government programs that support accessibility, inclusion, and a world without barriers, particularly in the built environment around an accessibility Certification Program which will assess and rate the built environment of Canada against a common standard (example Canadian Standards Association). Work with the Government of Canada to seek funding and support for RHF national initiatives designed to educate and engage Canadians about the importance of promoting accessibility, in coordination with National AccessAbility Week. Work with the Government of Canada to provide leadership in salmon and sturgeon conservation and related initiatives and research. Work with the Government of Canada to promote the Rick Hansen School Program to promote the adoption of this already existing program in every school in Canada. Work with Government of Canada to endorse and support the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Program Program as the national standard to assess and certify the built environment. Communication with the Government of Canada, to keep them informed of the use and outcomes of their investment in spinal cord injury research, as well as the outcomes of any projects around which we collaborate in order to maintain funding and to seek future funding.

YMCA Canada is exploring seeking funding through the Youth Climate Corp program Discussions in regards to the ability of not-for-profits to build and maintain community infrastructure. Seeking funding through the Build Communities Strong program. Discussions in regards to the federal government providing adequate, consistent, and long-term resources to cover service providers’ operational and administrative costs, program development, and direct services to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Discussions regarding a youth mental health and program needs. Seeking funding from the Youth Mental Health Fund for a mental health and wellness program. Discussion in regards to the development and implementation of the Housing Builds including prevention strategies for homelessness, innovation, and programmatic supports. Policy proposals respecting the implementation the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) system, agreements and frameworks. Discussion in regards to accessible, affordable, inclusive, and high-quality early learning and child care and seeking funding related to the Canada-wide ELCC agreements such as infrastructure, service deliver and workforce. Discussions on financial measures, policies, programs and sectoral tables to help the the charitable sector and community service charities to adapt and modernize. Funding to support the charitable sector including service continuity and adaption, and labour shortages. Discussion in regards to the design and implementation of a strong Youth Employment and Skills Strategy with respect to program focus, and youth engagement. Seeking funding from Employment and Social Development for out-of-school programs that help youth gain new skills and succeed in their education. Discussion in regards to the legal and regulatory framework for governing charities, and grant contribution reform initiatives and ensuring that funding is allocated to these areas Discussing ways in which to financially support, but not limited to, access to recreation for children, teens, and young adults and for under-served communities, in support of healthy active living, obesity and chronic disease reduction and prevention strategies