Selkirk
New Democratic Party of Manitoba (NDP) - Candidate: Mitch Obach
Q: How have disabilities played a role in your life and the lives of your loved ones?
As a teacher, I have been responsible for working with students living with a disability, their families, and other professionals to put together a program that provides accommodations and supports to help those students succeed. Our community is full of people with differing abilities and I have enjoyed getting to know people from all different walks of life, through the arts and community events.
Q: Which one of DMVote’s 5 priority issues is of the greatest interest to you and why?
It is difficult to pick just one. Locally, as your MLA, I will work with organizations such as Inclusion Selkirk and businesses to expand the number of job opportunities for people living with a disability. There are many people in our community whose lives have been enriched by having a job. Provincially, my priority will be to make sure programs and services are in place to ensure those living with a disability have their basic needs 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 am bothered by the fact that systemic barriers and stigma often associated with disability undermine the basic human right to fully participate in life. The provincial government should be a leader in taking action to combat stigma and creating solutions so people can live with dignity. The Accessibility for Manitobans Act should be implemented and enforced, as well as provide education and awareness so Manitobans can have a better understanding of what it is like to live with a disability. Disability supports should be funded, which includes increased wages for disability workers. I am proud that an NDP government will include people with disabilities as part of our new Premier’s Business and Jobs Council.
The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba (PC) - Candidate: Richard Perchotte
Q: How have disabilities played a role in your life and the lives of your loved ones?
Helping persons living with disabilities and the removing challenges that they face are a passion for my Daughter. She has been an educator to our family and friends in bringing awareness and understanding to the challenges facing all persons with disabilities in our community. It is with that knowledge and understanding I can have an impact on ensuring the needs of all persons living with disabilities are respected, their needs are acknowledged and barriers are removed to ensure full inclusion in all aspects of their lives. I am proud of the work that has already begun under the PC government and will be a driving force for support and full inclusion within the province and country.
Q: Which one of DMVote’s 5 priority issues is of the greatest interest to you and why?
All of DMVote’s 5 priority issues are of great importance and all require support and consultation from all levels of government. The issue with the greatest need for urgency in the Province of Manitoba in my opinion is Basic Needs. The new program under the PC Government, Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities is a step in the right direction. As an elected MLA for Selkirk , I will ensure that this program meets the needs of all persons living with disabilities and I will be a strong voice for all in the community.
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?
It is my opinion that these complaints of discrimination are from lack of awareness and lack of understanding. I am very thankful for my Daughter and the education she has given me. I have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing persons living with disabilities have and the challenges that their caregivers have. The Government needs to increase education and awareness so that all Manitobans have an understanding of these challenges. An elected PC government will support persons with disabilities and encourage employment. We must be intolerant of any form of discrimination that faces members of our community and we must work together to resolve challenges as they arise.