Barrier Free Manitoba

Proposed Principles for Full and Effective Implementation

Barrier-Free Manitoba is pleased to propose nine principles for the full and effective implementation of The Accessibility for Manitoba Act. These build from the nine principles established back in 2008 for the the development of the legislation.

1. Cover all disabilities.

2. Reflect a principled approach to accessibility that respects human rights enshrined in provincial, national and international law.

3. Develop and enact mandatory and date-specific standards in all major areas related to accessibility that:
• Apply to the governmental, private and not-for-profit sectors.
• Provide for the prevention and systemic removal of barriers at the earliest possible date.

4. Establish, operate and report on proactive and comprehensive monitoring and enforcement of these standards.

5. Incorporate and sustain ongoing leadership roles for the disability community, as well as meaningful and timely opportunities for consultations with all persons affected by disabilities.

6. Be transparent and open as the law allows including the public availability of clear, accurate, complete, relevant and timely information on both process and outcomes.

7. Provide full public accountability of progress and results.

8. Ensure the completion and the publication of the report from an inclusive, comprehensive and independent review of the legislation and its implementation by December 5, 2017 and then every five years thereafter.

9. Not diminish other legal and human rights protections.