News Releases

December 3, 2025

The Manitoba government is marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by introducing legislation that highlights the linguistic and cultural uniqueness of sign languages used by Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf-Blind Manitobans, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for accessibility, announced today.

“For years, Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf-Blind Manitobans have been clear that sign languages are central to their identity and culture,” said Fontaine. “The Sign Language Recognition Act is the result of more than a year of working alongside Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf-Blind Manitobans. This bill will recognize and promote the use of sign languages throughout Manitoba and support inclusion, access and community identity.”

The proposed legislation would recognize American Sign Language, Quebec sign language, Indigenous sign languages and tactile sign languages as distinct languages with their own grammar, structure and cultural heritage. Manitoba is the first province in Canada to introduce standalone sign language recognition legislation.

While some jurisdictions recognize sign languages through accessibility legislation or policy, the minister noted that sign languages are the first and primary language for many Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf-Blind Manitobans, not an accessibility tool.

The Manitoba government is also consulting with Manitobans on proposed regulation that would establish the framework for enforcing accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act including the ability to issue orders and administrative penalties for deliberate non-compliance.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on Dec. 3, promotes understanding of disability issues and highlights efforts to protect the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disabilities.

For details on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, visit http://accessibilitymb.ca.

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