The Manitoba government is investing $120,800 with the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD) to provide educational and outreach work that will help ensure organizations understand and comply with the accessible employment standard.
“Accessibility is important to all Manitobans and a priority for our government,” said Families Minister Heather Stefanson. “We are pleased to support this work with the MLPD. This funding will help them deliver workshops, share tools and resources, and provide advice and expertise to organizations to promote the development and implementation of accessible employment practices.”
With this provincial investment, MLPD will collaborate with organizations to identify, remove and prevent barriers related to accessibility in employment. This work will also help businesses and organizations better understand the regulatory requirements related to Manitoba’s accessible employment standard.
“MLPD is pleased the province recognizes the need for accessibility,” said Fred Dugdale, treasurer, MLPD. “This funding will support our accessibility services to employers regarding the new employment standards. It enables us to increase awareness and education regarding accessibility, which in turn impacts our members.”
Manitoba’s accessible employment standard was passed in April 2019 and is being phased in to fully apply to all employers in the province by May 2022. Manitobans with disabilities are more likely to be unemployed or under-employed than their counterparts who do not have disabilities. The minister noted employers are able to benefit from a much larger pool of prospective employees by making recruitment and employment practices more accessible.
The minister also noted the important role of MLPD, as the organization represents Manitobans with a broad range of disabilities on common issues and concerns. The province’s funding agreement with MLPD will be in place until March 31, 2022.
