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Letter Sent Acknowledging Minister Howard’s Leadership

Jan 30, 2013

Earlier this week, Barrier-Free Manitoba sent a letter acknowledging Minister Jennifer Howard’s exemplary leadership in bringing legislation from concept to expected tabling later this year. We encourage others to follow suit.

Following is the text of the letter.


January 24, 2013

The Honourable Jennifer Howard
Minister of Family Services and Labour and Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities
Room 317
450 Broadway
Winnipeg MB R3C 0V8

Dear Minister:

I am writing to you on behalf of the Barrier-Free Manitoba Steering Committee to acknowledge the exemplary leadership you have demonstrated through the Government of Manitoba's recently released response to recommendations for made-in-Manitoba accessibility-rights legislation. We reflect back on our initial meeting with you in September 2008 and marvel at the progress achieved in less than five years in bringing this legislation from concept through to its expected tabling later this year. Your sustained leadership has been the essential factor in this progress that truly promises "to make the vision of an inclusive society a reality for all Manitobans."

Barrier-Free Manitoba believes that the Government's response to the recommendation provides a strong basis for the development of the transformative legislation required to provide for the timely removal of the pervasive barriers faced by the estimated 200,000 Manitobans with disabilities, and for the prevention of new barriers.

The Government's response substantially addresses eight of the nine principles identified by Barrier-Free Manitoba, as well as most of the issues raised in our comments on discussion papers. The lone principle not addressed, that the legislation "establish a definite target date to achieve a barrier-free Manitoba," remains of significant concern. The strengthened accountability measures that are proposed in the response go a long way toward meaningfully meeting this concern.

It is clear that considerable work lies ahead in drafting of the actual legislative proposal and in addressing the Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council's two broad policy recommendations that are not addressed in the Government's response. Barrier-Free Manitoba would welcome the opportunity to contribute to this work in the months ahead based on our extensive research related to the proposed legislation.

In closing, thank you so much for your exceptional commitment to the development of this critically important legislation.

Regards,

Patrick Falconer
On Behalf of the Barrier-Free Manitoba Steering Committee

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