10 by 10 Challenge Background

There are currently 300,000 working-age people with disabilities in British Columbia - many of whom want to work. They have the motivation, education and abilities to be valuable members of our workforce and communities. Yet, they face an employment rate of 44%.

The Minister's Council on Employment for Persons with Disabilities is inviting communities and industry sectors to join the 10 by 10 Challenge to increase employment for persons with disabilities in British Columbia by 10% by the year 2010.

Hiring people with disabilities is a Win-Win situation for businesses, communities, people with disabilities, and the province at large. The Minister 's Council is working toward this goal of 10 by 10, by supporting initiatives like the Measuring Up pilot, which is assisting communities to dialogue with key stakeholders to assess their accessibility and inclusion and WorkAble Solutions, which provides employers with best practices for recruiting and retaining persons with disabilities.

Let us show the world by 2010 that British Columbia 's communities are leaders in access and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

On October 26, 2006, at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention (UBCM) in Victoria, Employment and Income Assistance Minister Claude Richmond and City of Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan launched the Challenge to municipalities across the province. Mayors and industry leaders will receive the 10 by 10 Challenge Toolkit, which includes an individual community or sector employment goal, and tips and resources to assist participants in reaching this goal.

His Worship Mayor Sam Sullivan and Honourable Claude Richmond launch the 10 by 10 Challenge