Barrier Free Manitoba

CCEDNet Manitoba held its annual Policy Summt this morning for members to consider policy resolutions related to the mission of building local economies that strengthen communities and benefit everyone.

BFM has greatly appreciated CCEDNet Manitoba's interest and support dating back to 2013. We are very pleased that members approved the following policy resolution to extend this support over the coming years.

We extend our thanks to CCEDNet Manitoba, its staff and its many fine members.

Timely and Effective Implementation of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act

Whereas: Manitobans with disabilities face a multitude of barriers that prevent their full participation in the economy and in their communities in areas including education, job training, communications, housing, public and private transportation, health care and government services.

Whereas: The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, The Canadian Human Rights Act and The Manitoba Human Rights Code reflect an abiding commitment to equitable access for persons with disabilities as a basic human right.

Whereas: In October 2013, CCEDNet – Manitoba supported the call for strong and effective provincial accessibility-rights legislation in Manitoba given that existing laws, policies and mechanisms were unable to provide for the comprehensive prevention and removal of barriers.

Whereas: The Manitoba Legislature passed the landmark The Accessibility for Manitobans Act by a unanimous vote of all members in December 2013 to provide for the comprehensive prevention and removal of barriers.

Whereas: Barrier-Free Manitoba has called for the province to ensure the timely and effective implementation of The Accessibility for Manitobans meet the following nine principles:

• Cover all disabilities.

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

• Provide for the development and enactment of 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.

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

• 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.

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

• Provide for public accountability of progress and results.

• Provide for the completion and publication of an inclusive and independent review of the legislation and its implementation within four years of the passage of the legislation.

• Not diminish other legal and human rights protections.

Whereas: The Accessibility for Manitobans Act establishes the Minister’s responsibility for achieving significant progress toward achieving accessibility within the first decade following passage of the Act (by 2023) but does not establish date-specific requirements for measures beyond the tabling of plans and reports.

Whereas: CCEDNET previously approved a 2016 – 18 policy resolution in support of Barrier-Free Manitoba’s call for the timely and effective implementation of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act.

Whereas: Only one of five promised accessibility standards was in force after almost five years of implementation and the province has missed many of its own date targets for progress.

BE IT RESOLVED  THAT: CCEDNet – Manitoba continue to support Barrier-Free Manitoba’s* call for the timely and effective implementation of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act.

*CCEDNet’s support will extend to disability community representatives advocating for the Act’s the timely and effective implementation.