Bill 26, The Accessibility
for Manitobans Act, Becomes Law
Landmark legislation that
will remove barriers and improve accessibility for all Manitobans passed third
reading in the House on December 3, 2013 and will receive royal assent on
December 5, 2013.
"Nearly one in six
Manitobans has a disability and this number is expected to increase, due in
part to an aging population," said Jennifer Howard, Finance Minister and
Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities. "This legislation will lay out a
framework to guide the development and implementation of accessibility
standards to improve the independence and social inclusion of Manitobans where
they live, learn, work and play."
The main goal of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act is
to prevent barriers by working with the public and private sectors on long range
plans. "Now that the legislation
has become law, we will need to create a greater public awareness of the
benefits of full accessibility by working with stakeholders and general public to
change attitudes, policies and practices,” said Jim Derksen, chair, Manitoba
Accessibility Advisory Council.
Under the legislation,
accessibility standards will be developed to help eliminate physical, systemic
and other barriers in such areas as building design, information services, transportation
and employment practices. "We're
pleased to be able to take part in improving accessibility by providing input
and advice," said Lanny McInnes, prairie director, Retail Council of
Canada. "Knowing what needs to be
done will help retailers in Manitoba take concrete steps to improve
accessibility for their customers."
It is significant that the
third reading of the legislation took place on December 3, the United Nations
International Day of Persons with Disabilities. "In 2013, the theme of the day was to
break barriers and open doors for an inclusive society for all," said
Minister Howard. "We are proud of
the legislation and of our record in helping improve the lives of Manitobans
with disabilities." This is a
historic and significant day for Manitoba’s disability community and a day all
Manitobans can all celebrate.
More information on
disability issues and services in Manitoba is available at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/pwd/
