The federal government has come up with a solution to ensure that 50 workers with developmental disabilities will be able to hold onto their jobs sorting and shredding federal documents.

The workers had been due to lose their jobs as part of a shutdown of the Library and Archives Canada wastepaper disposal plant where they worked. The planned closure of the plant was meant as a cost-cutting measure, as the government moved to decentralize its shredding.

But Pierre Poilievre, the Minister of Employment and Social Development, announced Sunday that Public Works and Government Services Canada is establishing a new three-year contract with the Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, to ensure that the workers can keep their jobs.

The workers will be able to remain at the same facility doing the same tasks, but under a new contract, which can be renewed later.

Poilievre said in a statement that, when he learned that the previous contract was winding down, he was determined to find a solution to keep them working.

"There is nothing more inspiring than people determined to work hard and contribute despite the obstacles life puts in their way," he said in the statement.

"Such is the case for 50 extraordinary Canadians who have sorted and shredded sensitive government documents for over three decades. This work must be done and they do it well."

Poilievre said officials have worked hard to identify two departments that can still use the group's services.

"Other departments may be added and there will be plenty of paper to manage. The work will continue to have real value," he said.

The 50 workers -- some of whom have worked at the plant for 35 years – currently earn an honorarium of $1.15-per-hour at the facility. That's just low enough that they can continue receiving their disability pensions.

Dave Ferguson, the executive director of the group representing the workers, said, earlier this month, he feared that if the workers lost their jobs, they would also lose their sense of accomplishment and community.

Ferguson said Sunday his group is pleased with the solution that has been found, and he appreciates Poilievre's personal commitment to the matter.

"This support will allow us to continue our work of assisting these individuals in developing work and life skills and allowing them to meaningfully contribute to their community," he said in the federal government's statement.