(AGENPARL) – gio 16 febbraio 2023 [Manitoba Media Bulletin]
February 16, 2023
Province Selects Expert to Conduct Mandatory Review of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act
Manitoba Families advises that Sarah Lugtig has been selected to perform a comprehensive and mandatory review of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
Lugtig is a Winnipeg lawyer with a degree in social work. Prior to 2020, Lugtig worked as in-house counsel for the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and Legislative Counsel in the Manitoba government’s public service. She also worked for the Manitoba government’s Legal Services Branch for three years and functioned as the director of experiential learning with the faculty of law at the University of Manitoba. Lugtig presently does part-time work with Legislative Counsel for ongoing special projects.
Lugtig will conduct the review, report on the findings and make recommendations to the minister responsible for accessibility to improve the effectiveness of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and its regulations. The review will also include consultation with the public, particularly those with lived experiences.
The Accessibility for Manitobans Act became law in December 2013 and provides a clear and proactive process for identifying, preventing and removing barriers. Physical, communication and systemic barriers prevent a significant portion of Manitobans from fully participating in society. The act aims to eliminate barriers by developing accessibility standards for government, public and private-sector organizations including municipalities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations.
The mandatory review will focus on initiatives already taken under the act and the structures that support it. It is anticipated the review will begin in March and the final report, with recommendations, will be completed before the end of the year.
For more information on the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, visit http://www.accessibilitymb.ca/.
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For more information:
– Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
– Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.