Interlake-Gimli
Keystone Party - Candidate: Larry Brandt
Q: How have disabilities played a role in your life and the lives of your loved ones?
A family in the community whose child was Down syndrome. The innocence of the individual and the frustration these children (later into adulthood) had because of natural restrictions.
I have the privilege of knowing Steven Fletcher, paraplegic, and seeing how he overcame obstacles by having an entire house designed and fitted to give him relatively good mobility including a specially fitted wheelchair.
Also seeing how elderly losing their mobility were helped with equipment suitable for their conditions.
Q: Which one of DMVote’s 5 priority issues is of the greatest interest to you and why?
Essentially all of the points that help with mobility, acceptance by others and fosters an independence that the majority enjoy.
Q: Disability discrimination has made up the largest share by far of all the formal complaints lodged with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission over the last 20 years. What do you think accounts for this and what do you think needs to be done to address it?
First, we are seeing the amount of effort going into (essentially being bullied into) the sexualizing of children at very early ages rather than teaching respecting others of all walks of life.
Secondly, many feel uncomfortable around those with a handicap not sure how to respond to the various levels of disability. This again is an educational issue whether at home or in school.
Manitoba Liberal Party (MLP) - Candidate: Sean James
The candidate did not respond by our September 20, 2023 deadline
New Democratic Party of Manitoba (NDP) - Candidate: Sarah Pinsent-Bardarson
Q: How have disabilities played a role in your life and the lives of your loved ones?
As a social worker, I have had the privilege of advocating for persons living with disabilities. I have worked alongside many persons who are experiencing discrimination and exclusion. In my professional roles over the past few years, I have fought to break down barriers for my clients and their families from mental health challenges to physical limitations.
Q: Which one of DMVote’s 5 priority issues is of the greatest interest to you and why?
My interest is peaked in every area. What really struck me during recent conversations is that persons living with disabilities are subject to high staff turnover and therefore continually exposed to new people who are responsible for their very personal and intimate care. People requiring physical care provided by others are very vulnerable and deserve their privacy to be protected. My hope is that the retention of direct service workers will be a primary area of focus so that persons requiring care can form trusting and enduring relationships with their care providers.
Q: Disability discrimination has made up the largest share by far of all the formal complaints lodged with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission over the last 20 years. What do you think accounts for this and what do you think needs to be done to address it?
I think that many people do not understand disability or are oblivious to challenges that do not impact them personally. I am an advocate for the inclusion of all persons and therefore I will continue to work with the government at all levels to eliminate barriers to participation, including teaching others, leading by example, and ensuring that persons living with disabilities are at the decision-making table and that I am elevating their voices.
The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba (PC) - Candidate: Derek Johnson
The candidate did not respond by our September 20, 2023 deadline