? I was pleased to be able to attend the consultation on issues facing the disabled across the province based on the Opening Doors paper earlier this week. It was an important opportunity for Jennifer Howard, the new minister responsible for disability, to hear first hand the unique concerns here in the North. ?
Disability affects all Manitobans. At some point, all of us will experience disability, either personally, in our families or in our communities. Manitoba has a range of programs and supports for persons with disabilities. Manitoba is committed to providing integrated and sustained leadership on disability issues in order to create a more inclusive society.
? In 2001, the Manitoba government released Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Provincial Strategy on Disability - a policy document detailing the province's vision for the full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Manitoba. Over the past eight years, this strategy has guided the province's approach to disability. We have made significant progress in each of the strategy's four priorities income support, access to government, disability supports and employment for persons with disabilities.
? As a population, Manitobans are aging and that brings increased disabilities connected to aging. We are also managing more diverse cultural issues and rapidly changing technologies that change the way we communicate and live.
? The goal of Opening Doors is to expand on the vision for persons with disabilities that was outlined in the 2001 strategy. The province will build on a variety of supports and programs already in place.
? People at the consultation in Thompson talked about issues ranging from accessibility to housing, transportation and employment and income support. Time and time again people talked about the unique challenges facing us in Northern Manitoba. It is important we address these unique Northern concerns.
? As MLA for Thompson I will be taking the feedback from the North and working for action for the disabled right here in Northern Manitoba.
