The Manitoba government has introduced legislation to recognize American Sign Language, Quebec sign language, Indigenous sign languages and tactile sign languages as distinct languages with their own grammar, structure and cultural heritage.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, who is responsible for accessibility, announced the proposed Sign Language Recognition Act on Dec. 3 to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Manitoba is the first province in Canada to introduce standalone sign language recognition legislation.
“For years, Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf-Blind Manitobans have been clear that sign languages are central to their identity and culture,” said Fontaine. “This bill will recognize and promote the use of sign languages throughout Manitoba and support inclusion, access and community identity.”
Recognition as language, not accessibility tool
The minister noted that sign languages are the first and primary language for many Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf-Blind Manitobans, not an accessibility tool. While some jurisdictions recognize sign languages through accessibility legislation or policy, Manitoba’s proposed legislation treats them as distinct languages.
The province developed the bill over more than a year of consultation with Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf-Blind Manitobans, according to Fontaine.
Accessibility enforcement framework under consultation
The Manitoba government is also consulting with Manitobans on proposed regulations that would establish a framework for enforcing accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Manitobans Act. The proposed regulations would allow the government to issue orders and administrative penalties for deliberate non-compliance.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on Dec. 3, promotes understanding of disability issues and highlights efforts to protect the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
