Kirkfield Park
Green Party of Manitoba (GPM) - Candidate: Dennis Bayomi
The candidate did not respond by our September 20, 2023 deadline
Manitoba Liberal Party (MLP) Candidate: Rhonda Nichol
Q: How have disabilities played a role in your life and the lives of your loved ones?
A cousin of mine was born with Prader Willis syndrome and as he aged and his physical health worsened, he was impacted by accessibility, basic needs and lack of services and resources. My aunt often struggled to find supports for him and finding a proper group home was a challenge. It was exhausting at times and very stressful.
Q: Which one of DMVote’s 5 priority issues is of the greatest interest to you and why?
Basic Needs-Everyone should have their basic needs met. No person should be unfed or unsheltered due to a disability. Dealing with food insecurity or lack of housing causes great stressors on a person and their family. Many struggle every day with this and we know that in rural Manitoba resources are especially limited with the burden often falling onto families. Adequate in come for those with disabilities is very important so that basic needs are met.
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 believe that as a society we are now more aware of what disability discrimination is. It is important for us to continue to advocate and bring more awareness to what barriers those with disabilities encounter both to the general population and to the various levels of government. We need to ask those with disabilities what their problems they are encountering and ask what supports are needed. Having regular meetings and discussions with those impacted are important in moving towards better services and supports. The work done by Disability Vote Matters is an important key in bringing forth issues and concerns to the attention of the various levels of gov’t.
New Democratic Party of Manitoba (NDP) - Candidate: Logan Oxenham
Q: How have disabilities played a role in your life and the lives of your loved ones?
As someone with ADHD, I have personally experienced some of the challenges that those of us with disabilities face in society, both in my professional and personal life. I have also seen the challenges faced by my nephew, who is autistic, and as he and his family have struggled to get him the social and academic supports he needs. I've seen first-hand the importance of having a government that will work to ensure all Manitobans can live barrier free and will be an advocate for accessibility for all in the legislature.
Q: Which one of DMVote’s 5 priority issues is of the greatest interest to you and why?
All five priorities – making Manitoba accessible, investing in a skilled workforce, meeting basic needs, unleashing employment potential, and ensuring timely and equitable access to services and resources –are critical in ensuring that all Manitobans with disabilities have their human rights respected and can fully participate in all aspects of life in our community. So far during the campaign, the issue I have heard people with disabilities raise most often on the doorstep has been a lack of employment opportunities. The provincial government needs to do more to ensure that everyone – including people with disabilities – can find fulfilling work that allows them to contribute to their community and receive a fair income. This includes providing support services to help accommodate disabilities in the workplace, offering vocational training opportunities, and investing in direct employment services to both connect people with good jobs and support them in the transition to their new roles. Additionally, we need to work to combat stigma and ensure that employers recognize that hiring people with disabilities benefits workers and employers alike.
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?
In order to effectively address the issue, we need a provincial government who will work to ensure that all Manitobans can live barrier free. Manitobans with disabilities have the basic human right to fully participate in all aspects of life – but unfortunately, stigma and systemic barriers often prevent that from happening.
Government needs to take action to combat stigma, to come at it from every angle and provide solutions so people can live with dignity whether that’s at school, at work, or anywhere else. We need to work with the community to implement and enforce the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, supporting education and awareness campaigns, and properly funding disability supports – including raising wages for disability workers. People with disabilities need to be at decision-making tables. The Manitoba NDP will make sure the community is regularly consulted and included from the start – including as a part of our new Premier’s Business and Jobs Council.
The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba (PC) - Candidate: Kevin Klein
Q: How have disabilities played a role in your life and the lives of your loved ones?
A member of our family, my sister-in-law, faces daily challenges due to her disability and it has been an enlightening and transformative experience for me. It has taught me the profound importance of empathy, patience, and adaptability. Witnessing her resilience in the face of adversity has been a constant reminder of the power of the human spirit. I've learned to see beyond the surface and recognize that everyone has their unique struggles and strengths. This experience has deepened my understanding of inclusivity and the significance of accommodating diverse needs in our society. Moreover, it has fostered a stronger sense of compassion for my sister-in-law and all individuals who navigate life with disabilities. Through her, I have learned the true meaning of support, acceptance, and the beauty of embracing differences.
Q: Which one of DMVote’s 5 priority issues is of the greatest interest to you and why?
It is difficult to select one because all five of the disability votes matter are priorities because they collectively represent the diverse and intersecting needs and experiences of individuals with disabilities. Each pillar addresses a unique aspect of disability rights and inclusion. By addressing all five priorities, we can work towards breaking down the barriers that limit the full participation and autonomy of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life.
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?
Insufficient public awareness regarding disability-related issues might contribute to instances of disability discrimination. It is the responsibility of the government to combat discrimination by launching public awareness initiatives that emphasize the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. If re-elected, I will advocate within our PC government to initiate such a campaign.