News Releases

August 6, 2021

The Manitoba government is releasing the proposed Accessible Information and Communications Standard regulation for a 60-day public consultation period, Families Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for accessibility, announced today.

“Accessibility is a basic human right, yet many people in our province still face significant barriers to communication in their communities and workplaces,” said Squires. “Our government is committed to increasing accessibility and public consultations are an important part of this work. I’m pleased Manitobans will have the opportunity to provide their input on this proposed regulation.”

The Accessibility for Manitobans Act became law in December 2013, creating a proactive process for removing barriers affecting people with disabilities by establishing accessibility standards. These standards are building blocks for real, measurable and effective changes to support accessibility, the minister said.

Each standard outlines specific requirements and timelines for organizations that have a responsibility to eliminate barriers. The standards focus on customer service, employment, information, communications, transportation and the design of public spaces.

Under the new regulation, specified organizations would be required to create and document policies, provide training related to accessible information and communications, and notify the public about the right to request and receive accessible information and communications. The regulation also creates new requirements for accessible design of web content and web applications, based on a specified industry-standard.

To learn more about the proposed Accessible Information and Communications Standard and to provide feedback, visit the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal at https://reg.gov.mb.ca.  

For more information on accessibility in Manitoba, visit http://accessibilitymb.ca/.  

Comments will be accepted until Oct. 5, 2021.

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