Accessible Employment Standard Regulation Review

Welcome to the Accessibility Advisory Council’s 2024 Accessible Employment Standard Regulation Five-Year Review.

The Accessibility for Manitobans Act calls for a review of the effectiveness of accessibility standards every five years. You’re invited to share your experiences with accessible employment, including what is working well and what needs improvement.

Removing Barriers to Accessible Employment in Manitoba

The Accessible Employment Standard Regulation is part of a broader effort under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act to make society more inclusive for people with disabilities. This regulation focuses specifically on making employment practices more accessible to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities in the workforce. Accessibility levels the playing field, improves productivity and makes workplaces healthier and safer for everyone.

This regulation applies to paid employees who are full-time, part-time, apprentices and seasonal workers. It requires all organizations with one or more employees to create measures, policies and practices related to improving barrier-free recruitment, hiring, accommodations and retention. Many workplace accommodations cost little to nothing and benefit everyone.

The goal of the standard is to make the work environment fair, accessible, and inclusive for everyone, including people with disabilities, enabling all employees to participate fully in the workforce.

The full list of requirements of the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation can be reviewed on AccessibilityMB.ca.

Alternative Ways to Share Your Experiences

Participate in a Town Hall Session

Public engagement is an important aspect of this review, and you’re invited to participate in one of the town hall sessions.

All sessions will follow the same format and attendees will have the same opportunity to share their insight into the Accessible Employment Standard. Please sign up for the session that works best for your schedule.

Virtual Morning Town Hall Session:

• Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
• Time: 10 a.m. to Noon
• Location: Virtual via Zoom
• Register to Attend

Virtual Afternoon Town Hall Session:

• Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
• Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: Virtual via Zoom
• Register to Attend

Sessions will have accessibility measures in place. If you require additional accommodations, please reach out to mao@gov.mb.ca for assistance.

In-Person Disability Community Forum*

The Accessibility Advisory Council wants to hear directly from people with disabilities on how we can improve the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation. This interactive forum will provide an in-person opportunity for open dialogue and constructive feedback, helping us shape the law that is meant to make workplaces more accessible and inclusive. We want to hear your experiences, but also your ideas on what is possible for this standard to work and reach its full potential.

Session Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
• Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
  • Address: 85 Israel Asper Way Winnipeg, MB
  • Room: Manitoba Teachers’ Society Classrooms
• Register to Attend

*Space is limited at this event. Register to attend early to save your seat.

This session will have accessibility measures such as American Sign Language interpretation (ASL), personal care attendants and live closed captioning. If you require additional accommodations, please email mao@gov.mb.ca for assistance.

French interpretation will be available at the September 26 session.

Written Submissions:

Your comments and feedback are also welcome via briefs and submissions to the attention of the Manitoba Accessibility Advisory Council at access@gov.mb.ca. The deadline to submit your insight is Friday, November 1, 2024.

Alternate formats and accommodations to participate are available by request.

If you need assistance or would prefer to provide your comments by speaking directly with someone or make alternative arrangements, please contact:

Manitoba Accessibility Office
Email: MAO@gov.mb.ca (External link)
Phone: 204-945-7613 (in Winnipeg) or toll free: 1-800-282-8069 (ext. 7613)