July 21, 2020
Manitoba Releases Report on Disability Support Program Consultations
– – –Feedback from Manitobans to Inform Next Steps, Program Design: Stefanson
The Manitoba government has released a new report that reflects the perspectives of hundreds of Manitobans who participated in consultations on a new dignified income support program for individuals with severe and prolonged disabilities, Families Minister Heather Stefanson announced today.
“This report is the next step in building a new dignified income support program for Manitobans with severe and prolonged disabilities,” said Stefanson. “Manitobans have given us strong, clear direction, which will be incorporated as we develop and design our new program. I appreciate the expertise and lived experiences of those who have participated in these consultations, and our government is committed to continue consulting with Manitobans as we design and implement this program in the months ahead.”
Consultations were held online through EngageMB and in-person workshops from November 2019 to January 2020. About 80 per cent of participants were in support of a new income support program for individuals with a severe and prolonged disability. Other major themes included:
• financial benefits should be more than the current amount received by people with disabilities on Employment and Income Assistance;
• clear eligibility guidelines and processes are needed to allow for long-term program participation;
• work expectations should not be part of the new program, but employment supports should be available to those who want to work or volunteer;
• people with disabilities may have unique needs for food, shelter, clothes, transportation and other items that must be reflected in the design of the new program; and
• knowledgeable staff should support the program and be available to help program recipients navigate all programs and services they require.
The minister noted the province is already working on preliminary program design based on the consultation and other work. Additional opportunities for Manitobans to provide feedback on the next stage of the dignified income support program are expected to launch this fall.
The What We Heard – Disability Program Public Engagement Report is posted on InfoMB at www.manitoba.ca/openmb/infomb/index.html. Manitobans who would like to participate in future engagements about the new program can register with EngageMB at https://engagemb.ca/ or by emailing EIA@gov.mb.ca.
The creation of a new program for Manitobans with severe and prolonged disabilities remains a priority for the province, the minister said. It is included in the department’s 12-month strategic action plan, Shared Priorities, Sustainable Progress, which is available online at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/pubs/shared-priorities-sustainable-progress.pdf.
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