The International Day of Persons with Disabilities marked a day for celebration in Manitoba. Bill 26, The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, passed Third Reading in the Manitoba Legislature on December 3rd, 2013. The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent on December 5th.
Passing with all-party unanimous support, the bill seeks to prevent barriers to people with disabilities by working with the private and public sector on long-term plans. This will include developing standards to eliminate physical, system and other barriers in the various areas of day-to-day life, from building design to information services.
The Canadian CED Network – Manitoba is proud to have supported Barrier Free Manitoba in their pursuit of this landmark bill. In 2012, CCEDNet – Manitoba members passed their policy resolution “Strong & Effective Provincial Accessibility-Rights Legislation,” standing with Barrier Free Manitoba in calling on the Province for strong and effective accessibility-rights legislation in Manitoba.
Other CCEDNet – Manitoba support included direct letters to the Honourable Jennifer Howard, member communications, and sponsoring a public event on the topic as the Bill was making its way through the legislative process.
Congratulations to Barrier Free Manitoba for all the hard work they put into this landmark Bill. Their tireless efforts have proved fruitful, and many Manitobans will have their livelihoods improved because of it.
Through coordinated, cooperative efforts, Manitobans with disabilities now have a legislative vehicle to begin the work of further dismantling the barriers that have prevented their full participation in our economy and our communities.
