Barrier Free Manitoba

Here's the text for this afternoon's bulletin:

"Manitoba Families advises a Manitoban with a long history in the public sector has been selected to perform a comprehensive and mandatory review of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act.

Theresa Harvey Pruden will conduct the review, report on the findings and make recommendations to improve the effectiveness of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act and its regulations. As well, the review will include consultation with the public and in particular those with disabilities.

The Accessibility for Manitobans Act became law in December 2013, and provides a clear and proactive process for identification, prevention and removal of barriers. Physical, communication and systemic barriers prevent a significant portion of Manitobans from fully participating in society. The act is aimed at eliminating barriers through development of accessibility standards for government, public and private-sector organizations including municipalities, business and not-for-profit organizations.

The mandatory, four-year review will focus on initiatives already taken under the act and the structures that support it. It is anticipated the review will begin in March and the final report, with recommendations, to be completed before the end of the year.

Harvey Pruden, of Winnipeg, has 30 years experience in the provincial public sector and has volunteered for numerous organizations including the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women, Sport and Physical Activity, Go for Green and Coalition for Active Living. She is the recipient of a Governor General’s Award for Volunteerism and has worked as a consultant on a women’s heart health initiative with St. Boniface Hospital Foundation and St. Boniface Hospital and Research Centre."

The bulletin is posted at: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=42934&posted=2018-01-16

Barrier-Free Manitoba is delighted with the appointment and we very much looks forward to supporting Ms. Pruden's work on the review.

We're also pleased to include a picture of Ms. Pruden from CTV Morning Live interview during her work in 2013 with the Heart of a Woman Conference.