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News

Rural entrepreneurs - make sure you enter the Just Watch Me video contest. Find more info on our News page

Listen to the interview with Richard Pimentel about employment for persons with disabilities on AMI's Contact

Be sure to watch the Talent Untapped video about persons with disabilities

Hear the interviews about the 2014 Expo on AMI's Mosiac City

Be sure to check out the Just Watch Me video contest. Check our News page for details

Be sure to complete our survey about the 2014 Expo

Be sure to watch the video of Randy Lewis (speaker at the 2011 Expo) promoting his new book.

Find all news items on our News Page

Ability Axis News

RSS image link to our RSS feed Be sure to check out this News Archives Page where you can catch up on all our announcements. We are pleased to be able to offer an RSS feed for our News updates. Click on the RRS image to subscribe.

If you have any news that may be of interest to our readers, please email us the information. The most current items can also be found near the bottom of the column on the right side of each page.

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December 2014 News

Enter the Just Watch Me! video contest

Enter the Just Watch Me! video contest. All you need to do is create a short 2 to 3 minute video and enter it in the contest for a chance to win up to $1,000 cash and fantastic prizes!  Everyone that enters the contest wins a prize!  The contest is open to any entrepreneur with a self-identified disability or health condition.

Interview with Richard Pimentel on AMI's Contact

Listen to this podcast (originally aired on December 7th, 2014) of the interview with US disability rights activist Richard Pimentel. He is one of the original advocates for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Richard speaks about the ADA 25 years later, and his own personal journey in becoming an advocate for the disabled.

Talent Untapped

Watch the Talent Untapped video about persons with disabilities in the labour force. "It is a core strategy that businesses really should embrace. There is a massive, untapped, highly skilled market sitting out there."

Richard Pimentel will be on AMI's Contact

Listen to the interview with Richard Pimentel on AMI's Contact Program on Sunday, December 7th, 2014 at 11 AM. Featured is an interview with US disability rights activist Richard Pimentel. He is one of the original advocates for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Richard speaks about the ADA 25 years later, and his own personal journey in becoming an advocate for the disabled.

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November 2014 News

You are more than your disability!

Listen to the podcast about the 2014 Ability Axis Employment Expo by AMI Audio's Mosaic City. Hear from Diversity World, CNIB, Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program about the benefits of participating in the Expo for exhibitors and job seekers alike. Also hear from speakers Denise Bissonnette and Richard Pimentel.

Hear about the 2014 Expo and more

On Saturday, November 22nd at 11 AM and again at 3 PM, listen to interviews from the 2014 Expo and more on the AMI website (or find a channel you can access on your TV). A podcast of this program will be available at a later time.

Expo T-shirt Blowout!

Every year, we print T-shirts for our Volunteers, but we always order extras, just in case. We are happy to make those extras available to everyone. For the low price of $5 per T-Shirt (plus $4 shipping per order), we would be happy to see the T-shirts go to a new home. Check out the the details on our home page.

And the 2014 Expo Survey prize winners are...

Thank you to all who completed and submitted the 2014 Employment Expo survey. Be sure to check out the list of winners for the prizes that were offered. But, if you haven't already submitted yours, the survey is still open. Don't miss your opportunity to be heard.

The Just Watch Me video contest is on again!

Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is looking for inspriing success stories of entrepreneurs with disabilities or health conditions to enter their annual Just Watch Me video contest. Be sure to check it out now!

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October 2014 News

It is survey time again!

Be sure to fill out our survey about the 2014 Employment Expo. By submitting your complete survey, you are eligible to win one of five great prizes. See our survey page for details.

CJOB's Tom Milroy interviews Rob McInnes about the Expo

On Sunday, October 12, 2014, Tom Milroy of CJOB interviewed Rob McInnes about the 2014 Employment Expo. This link will expire approximately October 22, 2014, so don't delay. Listen Now! Please follow these instructions:

  • Go to the CJOB archives
  • Select October 12 and 7:00 AM
  • Wait a few seconds and move the cursor to 7:55 - the interview is about 9 minutes long

Great Information for Entrepreneurs with Disabilties

On Tuesday, October 21, 2014, join the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program from 1:30 - 3:00 PM, 219 Provencher Blvd, 2nd Floor, National Bank Room in Old St Boniface City Hall as they present Self-Employment Resources for People with Disabilities or Health Conditions. You can also participate through a webinar on your computer.

Hear about the Expo on CJOB on October 11, 2014

Be sure to listen in on Saturday, October 11, 2014 to CJOB (680 AM) to hear Tom Milroy discuss the Ability Axis Employment Expo with Rob McInnes sometime between 8 and 10 AM. (If an audio file is available to us after the broadcast, we will link it here.)

Another great Video - All Ways Welcome

Please watch the All Ways Welcome video commissioned by the Ontario Government as a teaching tool for employees who come in contact with persons with disabilities.

Disabled Don't need Your Charity

Read the article by Harry Wolbert in the Winnipeg Sun about what a great largely untapped pool of prospective employees that people with disabilities can be. Harry also mentions Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) and the 2014 Ability Axis Employment Expo!

No more Awkward

Check out this great video from the DC Government about being awkward with people with disabilities.

A wonderful transition to employment

Read this success story about the transition in the State of Vermont for employment of people with disabilities. The state slowly closed the Sheltered Workshops and many of the people in those programs transitional to regular employment.

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September 2014 News

Our exhibitors list is still growing!

Please welcome the Manitoba Training and Education Centre as a first time exhibitor to the Employment Expo! We are so happy you are joining us.

One more Exhibitor joins the list

Disability Employment Awareness Month joins the Expo once again as an Exhibitor for 2014! Welcome back to the Expo DEAM!

Our Exhibitor list is still growing

Please welcome back TD Canada Trust - they are another Exhibitor who has been with us since the beginning. Welcome again.

Another Expo first-timer

We are so pleased to announce that Great West Life is joining the Expo for their first Expo as both a Bronze Sponsor and and Exhibitor. Welcome!

Two new Exhibitors join us for their first Expo in 2014

Please welcome Apprenticeship Manitoba and Arts & Disability Network Manitoba as they both join us in the very first Employment Expo.

Two more exhibitors join us again for 2014

We are pleased to announce two more Exhibitors for the 2014 Employment Expo, Sara Riel and Partners for Workplace Inclusion!

One more Exhibitor joins the 2014 fold

Please help us welcome Premier Personnel. We are so happy they are joining us again this year as an Exhibitor.

Check out this wonderful video

Be sure to watch the video Inspiration for Inspiration for Innovation: How Disabilities are Changing Big Business. It shows how planning for people with disabilities benefits everyone.

Join the Crew!

We are now taking registrations from people who want to help make the 2014 Employment Expo a resounding success! Head to our Volunteer page to fill out the online form or use our PDF to submit your details to be a member of the Crew.

Our list keeps growing

We are pleased to announce that Community Futures Manitoba is once again an Exhibitor at the Employment Expo. We appreciate you being with us since the beginning!

The excitement is still building

Please help us welcome Province of Manitoba - Jobs and the Economy (formerly Entrepreneurship, Training & Trade) as another returning Sponsor and Exhibitor. We are thrilled to have your continued support!

We love the continued support

We are proud to announce Cargill Limited as the newest Exhibitor and Silver Sponsor for the 2014 Expo. Cargill is another one of those employers who have been with us since the beginning and believes in hiring people with disabilities.

Another long-term Exhibitor is on board

Connect Employment Services Inc joins us once again as an Exhibitor at this year's Employment. They be lei ve in the Ability Axis Employment Expo, and it shows!

More on-going support!

Please help us welcome Manitoba Hydro as a 2014 Employment Expo Exhibitor. They are another of that great list of exhibitors who have been since the very first Expo.

Never Say Can't video

Be sure to watch this wonderful video about a young girl who wanted to follow in the footsteps of her sports idol. Now, she makes her living as a gymnastics tumbler. This story has a wonderful side twist to it.

Richard Pimentel workshop announced

In addition to his Hiring Persons with Disabilities keynote address at the Best Practices Breakfast, Richard will also present The Five Most Important Skills of Successful Employees with Disabilities in the afternoon of the Expo.

Another Ability Axis video just released

Be sure to check our video page to see the latest of the Ability Axis videos. Wes Hazlitt speaks with Ron Koslowski of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters about hearing Richard Pimentel speak at the Make a Difference seminar in May 2013. Remember, Richard will also be the keynote speaker at the 2014 Ability Axis Employment Expo, Best Practices Breakfast.

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August 2014 News

More from Randy Lewis

You may remember Randy Lewis as the speaker at our first Best Practices Breakfast back in 2011. Randy, now retired from Walgreens, has written a new book, No Greatness Without Goodness, and talks about it in this short video.

more new exhibitors for 2014

Please help us welcome New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families Inc and SCE Lifeworks as the newest Exhibitors for the 2014 Employment Expo. Both of these organizations have been exhibitors since the very first Expo in 2011. As well, SCE Lifeworks also joins us as a Donor Sponsor!

Video clips from the 2011 Employment Expo

If you attended the 2011 Employment Expo, you may have also attended a presentation by Shayn Anderson (click on the speakers tab then Shayn's name to get to information about him) - Taking Pride in That Which Sets Us Apart. Shayn has provided us with some video highlights from that event. Be sure to watch them on our Video page.

An Exhibitor and a Sponsor too!

Many thanks goes out to Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba. Once again, they are on board with the Expo, as both an Exhibitor and a Sponsor!

The support continues

Please welcome back Bison Transport as one of the Exhibitors for the 2014 Employment Expo. Bison has been an exhibitor since our very first Expo! Thanks for the continued support.

Rethinking College

Be sure to check out this great resource - Rethinking College. And make sure you watch the 25 minute film that they provide a link to. It is well worth the time.

2014 Employer Awards Deadline - DEAM

September 19, 2014 is the de a dl ne for submissions of your 2014 Employer Award Nominations. Use this Nomination form for your submission. The Awards ceremony will be held on October 30, 2014. Watch for more details to be announced.

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July 2014 News

Here we grow again!

Our Exhibitors list for the 2014 Employment Expo is expanding once again. Please welcome Eastman Employment Services and WASO to our growing list of Exhibitors. Be sure to check them out at the Expo.

Another Exhibitor Joins the 2014 Expo

Please help us welcome Trailblazers Life Choices Inc as the newest Exhibitor to the 2014 Employment Expo. Thanks for the support!

Watch this TED Talk by Stella Young

Watch this great TED Talk by Stella Young, a woman who doesn't want you to find her inspirational, just because she uses a wheelchair.

Enabling Accessibility in Communities Funding

The Community Accessibility Stream of the Enabling Accessibility Fund is designed to provide funding to eligible recipients for projects that improve accessibility in communities across Canada. Projects may include...
read the whole article.

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June 2014 News

Our Sponsors and exhibitors Lists are Growing

Please welcome the City of Winnipeg as the newest Silver Sponsor and Exhibitor at the 2014 Employment Expo. We'd like to thank them for their on-going support.

There is a new page in town!

We are excited to tell everyone about a new page on our website where you can find information about our past Expos, training and networking events. It includes a link to the page for "A Fun Evening Out" where you can find some photos of the event held on June 11, 2014. It is all on our Past Events page. Be sure to check it out!

The excitement is starting to build!

Sair Training Employment Placement Services (STEPS) is our newest Exhibitor. Be sure to check them out on our Exhibitor's list and at the Expo.

One more on our list

Please welcome another Exhibitor for the 2014 Expo - Opportunities for Employment. Why not join OFE and the others? See our Exhibitor's list & Exhibitor package for more details.

Our First Sponsor

Please help us welcome our first Sponsor for 2014, the Province of MB - Civil Service Commission who joins us as a Silver Sponsor. Why don't you consider becoming a sponsor too?

Exhibitors for the 2014 Expo

We are so excited to announce the first four organizations that have committed to be Exhibitors for the 2014 Employment Expo. Community Living Manitoba, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, Province of MB - Civil Service Commission and Reaching E-Quality Employment Services and will all be there. These folks have been with the Expo since the beginning!

Farming Requires Hard Physical Labour

Watch this great video about Chris, who has been farming his entire life... but, he has a few limitations.

The 2014 Sponsor & Exhibitor packages are now available

Why not check out the benefits of becoming a Sponsor or Exhibitor at the 2014 Ability Axis Employment Expo. You can use our online registration form to sign up now!

New program for people with intellectual disabilities

Read the Winnipeg Free Press article about the new program to help people with intellectual disabilities. The Selinger government and Red River College will launch a pilot program this fall that will give 20 people with intellectual disabilities more access to job-training programs.

the 2014 Best Practices Breakfast Keynote Speaker is...

The Best Practices Breakfast will feature Richard Pimentel as the keynote speaker. Richard brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. This is definitely a don't-miss event!

the 2014 Expo Registrations are now open

You can now register for the 2014 Employment Expo as a Sponsor, an Exhibitor or to attend the Best Practices Breakfast. Remember, registration is not required if you simply wish to attend the Exhibits or the Workshops.

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May 2014 News

"End the Awkward" videos

Have you ever been in awkward situations but don't know how to handle them? Perhaps these three videos can help - End the Awkward Handshake, End the Awkward Bending Over to a Wheelchair User, and End the Awkward Chat Up.

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April 2014 News

A fun evening out

Graphich for the Ability Axis Evening OutOn June 11, 2014, Ability Axis, collaborating with several other agencies, is hosting a fun social evening of live entertainment and networking with folks committed to the employment of Manitobans with disabilities from 5:30 PM - 9 PM. You can download the poster to share! Come out and enjoy this opportunity to socialize with your coworkers & colleagues and make new connections! Admission is free. Contributions will be appreciated. Live entertainment begins at 6:30 PM. Thirsty Lion Tavern, Park West Inn, 525 Dale Boulevard in Winnipeg.

Confirmed performers so far are:

  • Oly Backstrom
  • Rob McInnes & John Redekop
  • Jay Buchanan & Chelsey Young
  • Jennifer Nembhard & Irwyn Babulal
  • Nestor Wynrush

Denise Bissonnette launches a new website

Whether you are a Job Seeker, a Job Developer, an HR Professional, go to Denise Bissonnette's new website for great information and resources.

Manitoba's 31st Annual Volunteer Awards

On April 9, the Manitoba's 31st Annual Volunteer Awards were presented. The Safeway Celebration of Ability Award went to Becky Froes. Congratulations Becky!

PWIP - MB is in the news

Check out the CCRW newsletter. The fourth story down is entitled PWIP MB - Bill's Success Story.

How Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) affects you

CASL is not just about Spam. If your organization maintains a client or member database for newsletter and other communication distribution, you need to be aware of this! This new wide-reaching legislation comes into effect on July 1, 2014. What does your organization need to do in order to be compliant with this new legislation? Learn more at this event.

DCSP Workplace Model

Plan to attend to learn how you can get your Certificate (1 year) or Diploma (2 year) in Disability and Community Support. 3:00pm, at A137 - Notre Dame Campus, Red River College.

Remembering one of Winnipeg's finest civil Servants

Read this wonderful article about Henry "Harry" Kirk who came from England in the late 1800s and worked for the City of Winnipeg for 28 years. Harry lost all of his fingers and part of one hand to frostbite after being stranded in a severe winter storm.

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March 2014 News

March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day

Be sure to watch and share this excellent video.

Training Opportunities through MSEN

MSEN is offering two great new training opportunities in April 2014.

Friday April 11, 2014, 9am-4pm: Monica McDaniel of WISE (Washington Initiative on Supported Employment)

  • Marketing and Job Development
  • Canad Inn Garden City (2100 McPhillips)
  • MSEN members only $60! Non MSEN members $100
  • In partnership with SCE LifeWorks and Connect Employment Services

Friday April 25th, 2014, 9am-4pm: Bob Niemiec of Griffin-Hammis and Associates

Premier Choix Open House

The Premier Choix Open House will be held March 6, 2014, from 1 PM to 4:30 PM at 614 Des Meurons Street, 2nd floor, Winnipeg.

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February 2014 News

Celebrating Abilities

Save the dates of October 7 - 9, 2014 for Celebrating Abilities in Thompson, MB.

Rotary Career Symposium

Be sure to catch the Rotary Career Symposium on March 18th and 19th at the RBC Convention Centre in downtown Winnipeg.

Press release from CACL - CASDA about the recent budget

Be sure to check out the release by CACL - CASDA about the 2014 budget by the Federal Government.

Read the recent article about the 2013 Expo

Folks from Community News Commons were on hand at the 2013 Expo in October. Read their recent article about the Ability Axis Employment Expo.

Let the Voting Begin!

Be sure to review the Just Watch Me top finalist videos. Get your vote in for your favourite.

Mark Your Calendar

We are pleased to announce that the 2014 Ability Axis Employment Expo will be held on Thursday, October 23 at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg, MB. Stay tuned for more updates as we finalize the details.

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January 2014 News

Abilities Manitoba's Campaign

"The overall objective of the campaign is to ensure that the Honourable Kerri Irvin Ross, Minister of Family Services is very aware that thousands upon thousands of Manitobans share her deep concern for the safety, well-being and quality of life of persons with intellectual disabilities. We believe that this will help to further strengthen her resolve during the current budget process to ensure the quality, scope and viability of current services." Read their summary document and ACT NOW!

Employment for All website

Be sure to check out the Employment for All website - about the Best Practices for Supported Employment. Great information for Job Seekers and their families, Employers, Support Workers. Don't miss the information about Self Employment, Training & Development as well as other resources.

e-Learning Info Sheet

Society for Manitobans with Disabilities has provided an eLearning Information Sheet. Be sure to read the document to find some great information.

Access Awareness Day at the U of M

Visit the Ability Axis / Disability Employment Awareness Month booth at the U of M, UMSU Centre on Friday, January 24, 2014 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM for Access Awareness Day. Be sure to enter to win one of our great prizes!

Young Edmonton Man starts assembly business

Read the article about Brad Fremmerlid, a young Edmonton man with severe autism who now has his own business assembling things like Ikea Furniture for area residents.

Calgary company aims to help reap rewards of autism

Be sure to check out the CBC article about the Calgary company who is hiring on persons with autism as their consultants to work with their clients and the benefits that will be seen by all involved.

Services for disabled in focus - Wpg Free Press article

Read this article from the Winnipeg Free Press in part, about the lack of services for First Nations persons with disabilities who live on reserves.

Tim's Place Albuquerque: Service With A Smile (and hug)

Watch this amazing video about a young entrepreneur who opened his own restaurant. He also happens to have Down Syndrome. Be sure to also check out Tim's website.

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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec


December 2013 News

Employees with disabilities talk about working for Ernst & Young

Based on their experiences and perspectives, watch Ernst & Young employees talk about their company’s approach to disabilities.

Project Search Recruitment Video

Watch this "epic" video designed to recruit students for Project Search.

Duty to Accommodate

Be sure to check out the Duty To Accommodate Seminar happening February 27, 2014 at the Radisson Hotel, Winnipeg.

November 2013 news

Just Watch Me! Video Contest

The Just Watch Me! Video Contest is about to launch. Put on by the Community Futures - Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program to make Entrepreneurs more visible in the business community and inspire people to consider self-employment/small business development. Are you planning on submitting your video? Are you planning on voting? Be sure to check it out!

Read about the Expo!

Read this wonderful article about the Ability Axis Employment Expo entitled Bridging the Disability Employment Gap.

Great new article

Read the Globe & Mail article Canada Joins Ambitious Global Campaign to Promote Hiring of People with Autism.

Read this great article about Changing The Face Of Disability Into The Face Of Ability...

Read this great article to find out how "living with a disability is not the sum total of who you are. It is what you do with your abilities that define you and brings value to you and to the world".

October 2013 News

French CBC Video

Please check out this French CBC video which includes footage taken at the 2013 Employment Expo.

New CBC video about Disability rights

CBC video "Disability-rights bill applauded, but group wants changes" features footage from the 2013 Expo. Watch it on our Video page.

WIN, WIN, WIN

Be eligible to win great prizes by completing our Survey about the 2013 Employment Expo.

Final Public Hearing on Bill 26: The Accessibility for Manitobans Act

It all takes place on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at the Manitoba Legislative Building. The Community Pre-Meeting Reception is from 4:30 to 6:00 PM in the Legislative Cafeteria. The Meeting of the Standing Committee on
Social & Economic Development from 6:00 pm in Room 255. See the poster for more details.

Two more Exhibitors for the 2013 Employment Expo

Please welcome Exhibitors, Sara Riel Inc and Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program to the 2013 Employment Expo! It is the first time Sara Riel joins as an Exhibitor and PWIP has been with us since the beginning! Thank you to you both.

DEAM joins the Expo

We are pleased to tell you that Disability Employment Awareness Month volunteers will be staffing the DEAM booth at the Employment Expo. Be sure to stop by, pick up a poster and say hi.

September 2013 News

Press Release - Province's Partnership with New Flyer

The Province issued a press release about their new partnership with New Flyer Industries.

Exciting Sponsor / Exhibitor news

Entrepreneurship, Training & Trade of the Province of Manitoba is once again participating in the Expo by becoming a Silver Sponsor / Exhibitor. Thank you for being there from the beginning!

Our Exhibitors list is growing with Premier Personnel

Please welcome back Premier Personnel who are joining us as an Exhibitor again.

Welcome WASO, our newest 2013 exhibitor

WASO continues their support of the EXPO. They have been an Exhibitor since the beginning. Be sure to visit them at the Expo!

Another First-Time Exhibitor joins the Expo

Please help us welcome The University of Winnipeg. They join the 2013 Employment Expo as a first-time Exhibitor.

Please welcome two new exhibitors

We are pleased to announce the addition of two Exhibitors for the 2013 Expo. Community Futures Manitoba and for their first Expo, The Paper Fifrildi. Check our Exhibitors page for the full listing. Go to our Registration page if you haven't submitted your registration yet. Exhibitors save $50 if they register by the end of Monday, September 30, 2013!

Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact

Be sure to read the document by the JAN Network regarding workplace accommodations.

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba is joining us for another Expo. They are a Donor Sponsor and an Exhibitor. Thanks for the continued support!

Our Organizations page is growing

Be sure to check out information about A.I.M. for Work serving the Interlake and Eastman Regions of Manitoba

Welcome Manitoba Public Insurance

We are pleased to announce that Manitoba Public Insurance has joined us again this year as a Silver Sponsor and an Exhibitor at the 2013 Employment Expo!

Improving Customer Service for People with Disabilities video

Watch this insightful eight minute video about ways to improve customer service. Learn how "being Respectful, Aware and Adaptable" is very important as a business serving people with disabilities.

Man talks about learning to navigate

Check out this short video about a tall blind man who learns to navigate his world.

TD Canada Trust is continuing their great support

We are excited to tell you that TD Canada Trust is once again joining us as a Silver Sponsor and Exhibitor at the 2013 Employment Expo.

Please welcome a new first-time Sponsor and Exhibitor

We are excited to announce that the City of Winnipeg had become our newest Silver Sponsor as well as Exhibitor for the 2013 Expo! This is the first time the they are participating in the Expo. Watch for more information about them coming soon.


August 2013 News

More continued support from our Exhibitors

Service Canada has been an Exhibitor since our first Expo and they are back for another time. Please be sure to visit their booth.

One more Exhibitor Back for another Expo

We are happy to announce that CAHRD - Centre for Aboriginal Human Resources Development is back again as an Exhibitor! Thanks for your continued support!

First time and returning Exhibitors

Please welcome first-time exhibitor, RBC Royal Bank, to the Expo fold. Also, Community Living Manitoba is one of many returning Exhibitors. Please welcome them and all our Expo Exhibitors!

New Silver Sponsor for the 2013 Expo

Please help us welcome Silver Sponsor - Province of MB - Civil Service Commission. They have been with us since our first Expo!

Our 2013 Exhibitors list is growing - a lot!

We are so excited! We've had a number of new exhibitors sign up in one day. Thank you to Province of MB Civil Service Commission, Bison Transport, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, Manitoba Hydro and Reaching E-Quality Employment Services. Year after year, you are there!

The law that empowered Ecuador's disabled

Disabled people in Ecuador were once marginalized, shut up in their homes and considered unemployable. Since 2007, a single government initiative has transformed many of their lives. Read the full article...

Our Exhibitor list is starting to grow

Please help us welcome Opportunities for Employment as the newest exhibitor at the 2013 Expo! Thanks OFE for your continued support.

Great new articles

Please take the time to read these great articles. The first one is from the Globe and Mail about Disability Rights. The second one is a new report from the U.S. advises state Governors how to improve employment for people with disabilities - “A Better Bottom Line”. Happy reading!

Our Newest Exhibitor is...

Please welcome new Exhibitor, Connect Employment Services Inc for the 2013 Employment Expo.


July 2013 News

Best Practices Breakfast and Workshop News

We are thrilled to announce that Deb Dagit will be our premiere speaker at the Best Practices Breakfast as well as one of the afternoon Workshops at the 2013 Expo.

Workshop News

We are pleased to announce some of the Workshops for the upcoming Employment Expo. Denise Bissonnette and Kimberley Halwas will be presenting two workshops together - The Art of Disclosing Disability and Seven Essentials for a Successful Job Search. Find all the details on our Workshop page.

Our newest sponsor & Exhibitor

Please welcome Cargill Limited - Silver Sponsor and Exhibitor. Cargill has been supporting the Expo since its inception, which says a lot about their commitment to hiring people with disabilities.

BMO's expected job growth of 12000 new jobs in Winnipeg by 2016

Manitoba is headed for a period of steady economic growth, according to a report issued Wednesday by Bank of Montreal. In Winnipeg alone, the bank expects to see 12,000 new jobs created over the next three years. That would pull the jobless rate in the province's largest city down to five per cent, among the lowest in Canada. Read the full article...

Rare Video Clip with President Roosevelt

View this short, rare video clip which shows President Roosevelt going down a wheelchair ramp on a ship.


June 2013 news

Our newest exhibitor for the 2013 Employment Expo

Please join us in thanking SCE Lifeworks for becoming our newest Exhibitor for the 2013 Ability Axis Employment Expo!

Comfort Zone: Understanding Disability Culture

Watch this great 30-minute video entitled Comfort Zone: Understanding Disability Culture available on our Video page. It is a bit longer than most of the videos we post here, but it is very well-done and very informative. The video is produced by the City of Indianapolis Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability.

Spirit of Adaptability

Make sure you read the article, Spirit of Adaptability, by Gary Karp, keynote speaker at the 2012 Ability Axis Employment Expo.

DEAM Website

We are happy to announce that there is a new website in support of the Disability Employment Awareness Month (October). Be sure to check out all the great information, including details about the Career Exploration Week.

RE-ES AGM

Plan to attend the Reaching E-Quality Employment Services Annual General Meeting from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM at 302 - 1200 Portage Avenue

Dr Kevin Stolarick's research Report

On June 4, as part of Manitoba Access Awareness Week, Dr Kevin Stolarick presented stunning research findings on the economic impact of instituting more widespread access and participation of people with disabilities. Read the full report.


May 2013 news

Actor works to disable bullying

Lauren Potter, the actor with Down syndrome on the hit TV show Glee, remembers the time two boys bullied her, pushing her down and forcing her to eat sand. And she remembers forever, as any person would, it was her brother, Blake -- who has a physical disability -- who reached her first and helped her up. Potter has picked herself up and brushed herself off many times over the years on her way to stardom. That was the message the actor, who turned 23 on May 10, conveyed in her keynote speech to a very excited crowd at the Canadian Down Syndrome Conference in Winnipeg on Saturday. Read the full Winnipeg Free Press article.

Last Day for Early-Bird Registrations

Haven't registered for the Making a Difference seminar with Richard Pimentel on May 31, 2013? May 17, 2013 is your last day to save with early bird pricing. Don't miss this must see event!

Lifetime of chasing dreams

He's chased his racing dream for 20 years, but it's real life that's catching up with Colin Mathieson. The four-time Paralympian wheelchair racer is contemplating life outside the lane."I haven't decided exactly what the exit date is," said Mathieson, who married Renee Blunderfield-Mathieson on Dec. 31, 2011, and is close to earning his degree in... read the full article on the Winnipeg Free Press.

Manitoba Hydro Wins 2013 Diversity & Cultural Awareness Award

photo of Diversity & Cultural Awareness Award: Judith Hayes, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (sponsor) with Gary Maksymyk, Manitoba Hydro The Human Resources Management Association of Manitoba (HRMAM) held its annual Excellence in Leadership Awards Gala on April 24. At that ceremony, Manitoba Hydro was awarded the Diversity & Cultural Awareness Award for its involvement with Project SEARCH - an initiative of SCE Lifeworks.

Project SEARCH is an innovative work experience program for high school students with intellectual disabilities. Students are fully embedded in the business for their last year of high school, getting real-life work experience, training in employability and independent living skills. Students attend a classroom located at Manitoba Hydro Place where they start and end their day with a teacher for one hour. Parents say the students have developed autonomy, increased self-esteem and acquired skills they can use to secure future employment. Manitoba Hydro departments completed long-standing administrative backlogs through the efforts of the students.

Learn more about Project SEARCH

Accessibility as an Economic Driver

On June 4, 2013, see Kevin Stolarick present Accessibility as an Economic Driver from 8 AM to 10 AM at 1000 Waverley St. For more information, contact AMSC at 204-272-2960. Dr. Stolarick, of the Martin Prosperity Institute and research associate of Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class, estimates that Ontario's accessibility legislation will more than double retail sales in 5 years. Learn more about this. Event is co-sponsored by Alliance of Manitoba Sector Councils (AMSC), CCED Network - MB and U of W, Faculty of Economics and Business Registration deadline May 30th.

Get a preview of Richard Pimentel's presentation

Watch this great video presentation with Richard Pimentel speaking about the upcoming Making a Difference presentation on May 31, 2013.

The Excitement is Building with another new exhibitor

The Manitoba Customer Contact Association has joined us as the latest Exhibitor for the 2013 Employment Expo.


April 2013 news

New Exhibitors for the 2013 Employment Expo

Please join us in welcoming Sair Training Employment Placement Services as the newest Exhibitor - STEPS and CNIB - Manitoba Division as the newest Exhibitors for the 2013 Employment Expo.

The Manitoba Bill on Accessibility Rights

The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (Bill 26) was tabled on April 24, 2013 to the enthusiastic appreciation of the gallery members, including many stakeholders as well as many members on the floor. You can read the article about the tabling of the bill in the Winnipeg Free Press. If you weren't able to make it in person, you can watch the video on our Video page. You can also find more information on the Barrier-Free Manitoba website and the Province of Manitoba's Disability Issues Office website.

ASD Vocational Conference - June 6 & 7, 2013

What Will It Take?: Advancing Vocational Opportunities for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Beyond leading speakers such as Randy Lewis who has revolutionized vocational experience for persons with ASD, and Michelle Garcia Winner who has developed effective training for vocational success in ASD, an integral part of the event will comprise "on the ground" snapshots of leading vocational practices in ASD across Canada as well as "action groups" that will address key areas of vocational 'challenge' and work toward identifying and overcoming barriers, including developing strategies and action plans.

Three-day Business Planning Workshop

Starting a business? Already own a business?  This three-day business planning workshop provides valuable information to make your business a success! This event is fully accessible to persons with disabilities.

Breaking Time-Sensitive News

The Manitoba Bill on Accessibility Rights is to be tabled on April 24, 2013. There is an open Invitation to attend the reception at Minister Jennifer Howard's office and witness the official tabling of the bill. You must RSVP by noon on April 22/13. For details, go to the Barrier Free MB website.


March 2013 News

Trailblazers Life Choices - Open House

On April 10, 2013, from 3 PM - 6 PM, be sure to attend the Open House at Trailblazers Life Choices, at Unit 5 - 1031 Autumnwood Drive. Please RSVP by April 9th, 2013.

2013 Ability Axis Employment Expo - Register now!

We have opened the registrations for the 2013 Employment Expo. You can use our online registration form or the downloadable PDF. Exhibitors can save $50 by registering by the early bird date of September 20, 2013.

Dr Richard Pimentel is coming to Winnipeg

Richard Pimentel is a renowned consultant, keynote speaker, & professional trainer. He has the well-earned the reputation for being North America's premier speaker on disability and employment issues.  Ability Axis is pleased to announce that we will be holding a special event with Dr. Richard Pimentel on May 31, 2013. Reserve that date on your calendar and watch for full details to be announced soon!

Great New Posters available

New “Because” posters from the Campaign for Disability Employment are available. Unfortunately the posters can be only shipped to US addresses, but clicking on the link beside each image opens a high-quality PDF that can be printed. Check out the series of posters.

Denise Bissonnette introduces Cultivating True Livelihood

Watch the videos of Denise Bissonnette introducing each chapter of the Cultivating True Livelihood program.


February 2013 News

Return to Work - The Silent Barriers Conference

On April 17, 2013, attend the Return to Work - The Silent Barriers at the Victoria Inn. Check out the Registration Form for more details.

Public Forum on Disability Issues

On March 12, 2013, from 6 - 9 PM at the Viscount Gort Hotel in Winnipeg, a Public Forum on Disability Issues will be held. Minister Jennifer Howard shall be attending providing an update on provincial activities, since the last public forum held in September 2011. This event also includes a panel discussion on Best Practices which lead to the hiring and retention of persons with disabilities.

another Denise Bissonnette video has been released

Listen to Denise Bissonnette speak about Working with Employers on our video page.


January 2013 News

Another Great Denise Bissonnette Video to enjoy

Check out this great video by Denise Bissonnette on our video page - Entrepreneurial Job Development.

New Video featuring Randy Lewis of Walgreens

Watch the video... Celebrate Opportunity: An Introduction by Randy Lewis, found on our Video page.

Ready, Willing & Able

Employment is a very important part of our adult lives. It is much more than simply earning money. Through paid work we meet new people and establish new friendships, increase feelings of self worth, enable greater independence, become part of community and contribute to that community. Perhaps more importantly it affects how other people and society in general view us — recognizing our value, contribution, ability, and capacity. Read the Ready, Willing & Able document by the Canadian Association for Community Living.

Rethinking disability in the private sector

The report is urging the private sector to take leadership in expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Read the whole story.

Companies Overlook Qualified Workers with Disabilities

Many companies struggling to find the right employees are overlooking a talented pool of disabled workers, a government-commissioned panel has found. The group found that there are almost 800,000 people with disabilities who are capable of working in Canada and almost half of them have post-secondary education. Read the full article

Workplace Mental Health Guide sets national standard

Canadian employers and unions wishing to promote mental health in the workplace can now turn to a new national standard to help boost the well-being of employees. Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the Canadian Standards Association and Quebec's standards development body (BNQ) launched the voluntary standard on psychological health and safety in the workplace. Read the full article...

Short But Powerful Video

Watch this great video entitled What Can You Do.

Two more incredible videos to enjoy

Be sure to watch these great video. One is a WERC interview with Randy Lewis, speaking about the benefits of hiring employees with disabilities, both for those employees and those they work with. You may remember that Randy was the keynote speaker at the 2011 Employment Expo Best Practices Breakfast. The other is about a paralysed man who is able to move a robotic arm with his thoughts.

Another great new video

Watch the video about the company in Germany who hires people with Asperger's Syndrome for their tech jobs. See this and all our other videos on our Video page.

Ability Axis Promotional Video

We have just posted a new video to promote the Ability Axis Employment Expo. Have you had a chance to watch it yet? For those who are hearing impaired, captions are shown on the screen so you won't miss a thing.

just Watch me Video reminder

We just thought we would give you a reminder that February 26, 2013 at noon is the deadline to get your submission for the 2013 Just Watch Me Video Contest - it is an opportunity for an entrepreneur with a disability to win $1000!

Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec


December 2012 News

New Scholarship at Red River College

Read about a new scholarship available to students with disabilities who attend Red River College.

Just Watch Me Video Contest

Be sure to check out the details on how you can submit your entry in the next Just Watch Me video contest. Submission dates are December 3, 2012 to February 26, 2013.


November 2012 News

Promoting Inclusion in the Manitoba Skills Summit - UPDATE

As part of the Speech from the Throne, delivered on November 19, 2012, mention was made of the Province’s intent to increase its workforce by 75,000 workers over the next 8 years. To accomplish this, there is to be a strong focus on graduating students, Aboriginal persons, and newcomers to Canada. There was no mention of people with disabilities. In 2013, a “Skills Summit” will be convened by the Premier's Economic Advisory Council. The intent of that Summit will be to offer advice on how the target of 75,000 new workers can be met. The themes of the Summit will include:

  • Preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow
  • Apprenticeship and Training Programs
  • First Nations and Métis labour force development
  • Growing our immigration policy

People with disabilities were not mentioned. There are an estimated 20,000 Manitobans with disabilities who are not in the labour force but who, with adequate supports, would be able to work. They can’t afford to be left out as Manitoba lays plans to significantly increase its workforce.

We alerted people in our network, our Partner organizations, and folks following us on Twitter and Facebook to this situation. We invited them to send emails to the government – encouraging it to not exclude people with disabilities from the deliberations at the Skills Summit. Just before we sent this same request to you, our Newsletter subscribers, the Premier's Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), issued this statement:

“We agree that our province would benefit from an even more inclusive and diverse workforce. For that reason, we would like to clarify that persons with disabilities were always intended as one of the key representative groups for integration into the Manitoba workforce by 2020. Workers with disabilities will be fully included in the 2013 Summit, as participants and will be represented on the steering committee. The steering committee will play a significant role in identifying issues particular to workers with disabilities which will then be the subject of discussion forums during the summit.”

A representative of PEAC also called our office and convinced me that, regardless of the extent to which people with disabilities were originally included in their plans for the Summit, there will now definitely be an honest and proactive attempt to include people with disabilities in the Summit proceedings, and to explore better ways to tap into the labour pool that they represent.

Please consider sending a “thank you” and/or words of encouragement - for PEAC’s commitment to explore ways for more Manitobans with disabilities to become productive members of the Province’s workforce.

Emails can be sent to any or all of these recipients:

A proposed rule would force (US) businesses to hire disabled workers

Why is that making companies with existing disability programs uneasy? Read the entire article.

The Manitoba Skills Summit – People With Disabilities Can’t Be Left Out

As part of the Speech from the Throne, delivered on November 19, 2012, mention was made of the Province’s intent to increase its workforce by 75,000 workers over the next 8 years. To accomplish this, there is to be a strong focus on graduating students, Aboriginal persons, and newcomers to Canada. There was no mention of people with disabilities. In 2013, a “Skills Summit” will be convened by the Premier's Economic Advisory Council. The intent of that Summit will be to offer advice on how the target of 75,000 new workers can be met. The themes of the Summit will include:

  • Preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow
  • Apprenticeship and Training Programs
  • First Nations and Métisminfl labour force development
  • Growing our immigration policy

There are an estimated 20,000 Manitobans with disabilities who are not in the labour force but who, with adequate supports, would be able to work. They can’t afford to be left out as Manitoba lays plans to increase its workforce. Please join us in asking the Province to add People with Disabilities as an additional group to be included in the Skills Summit.

Even a quick email, voicing your support, will help to make this happen. To be most effective, your email should be sent to all three of these recipients:

Borrowing a phrase from The Alliance for Full Participation, “Everyone Benefits When Everyone Works.” Let’s make a difference!

three-legged hero Video

Watch the video about how one blind, deaf, 3-legged dog named 'True' saved his Oklahoma family from a house fire.

MEEPA General Meeting

The next MEEPA general meeting will be held on November 21, 2012 at the Theatre at MPI, 234 Donald St from 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM.

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October 2012 News

Another great video

Disability Inclusion: Kudos to the U.S. Department of Labor. They recently released a series of several films designed to stimulate learning and discussion on the “soft skills” required for success in the workplace. Without any fanfare, they just featured a woman with a visible disability as a key character in one of the films – on Teamwork.

DAWN Manitoba AGM

DAWN Manitoba's AGM will take place on Monday, November 19, 2012 from 5 PM - 8 PM at the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, 2nd Floor, The Clearinghouse, 825 Sherbrook Street, Room 203. Sign Language Interpretation upon request.  Dinner will be from 5 PM – 6 PM. “What’s In The Future for DAWN Manitoba?” with Facilitator, Natalie Mulaire, CAO, The Clearinghouse. Be Part Of The Discussion! RSVP by Wednesday, November 14th to the DAWN office by phone at 204-975-3275 or by email to dawnmb@mymts.net.

Sara Riel - Open House

Sara Riel Inc is pleased to announce that in recognition of “Manitoba Career Week” our Employment Services Department will host an Open House. On Friday, Nov 9, 2012 from 10:30 – 12:00, we invite potential participants and their families, as well as agencies, organizations, and workers in the employment and mental health fields to tour our facility, meet our “Team”, enjoy some light refreshments, hear a presentation of our Programs and Services, including stories from some of our successful alumni. This event will be taking place at Sara Riel Inc. 66 Moore Ave, in Winnipeg. Everyone is welcome and attendance is free! Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, November 7, 2012 to Janet Layte at 204-237-9263 Ext. 137  or email jlayte@sararielinc.com

DATE CHANGE FOR THE EXPO - JOIN US ON OCT 23, 2013!

On October 18, 2012, the Province of Manitoba proclaimed image of girl with date signthat every October will officially be Disability Employment Awareness Month in our province. We've moved the Expo to October because we want to be part of the celebration. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 23, 2013! Disability Employment Awareness Month has been celebrated in the United States for over sixty years and efforts are currently underway to have Canada proclaim each October as National  Disability Employment Awareness Month. Manitoba has taken the lead!

Let's Get To Work: The Changing Face of Employment

November 22/12, from 9 AM - 1:30 PM - Career Trek, the Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC), and the Minister's Advisory Council on Workforce Development (MACWD) are proud to cohost Let's Get to Work: The Changing Face of Employment. Read more about the Let's Get To Work event.

Public Administration Internship Program for Person with a Disability

What is the program all about?
The Public Administration Internship Program for Persons with a Disability is an opportunity to prepare for a career in public service.  This two-year training program will provide enhanced opportunities for persons with a disability to work in government.

Through a series of on-going job placements, training, and orientation, interns will be exposed to a wide variety of areas of public administration such as research, policy development, policy analysis and human resources.
Interns will enhance their existing skills and acquire new ones while learning the business of government.

Our Goal:
Our goal is to increase the representation of persons with a disability working in the Government of Manitoba at all levels and to continue to promote a diverse workforce.

What are the benefits of working in the Manitoba Civil Service?
There are many benefits to working within the Manitoba Civil Service. Through the Public Administration Internship Program for Persons with a Disability Program you will…

  • Enhance your leadership skills
  • Learn about government processes and systems
  • Make a difference in your community
  • Contribute to the future of Manitoba

Who is eligible to apply for the Public Administration Internship Program for Persons with a Disability?

  • Candidates must have a disability and be willing to self-declare.   
  • Candidates will have completed post-secondary training at a University or Community College level or have an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Excellent communication skills are essential.
  • Candidates must have demonstrated skills in the following areas:  analytical, problem solving, interpersonal, leadership and computer skills, including a value for diversity.

For more information about the program, contact:

Public Administration Internship Program for Persons with a Disability
Program Coordinators
Corporate HR Policies & Programs
Civil Service Commission
935-155 Carlton Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 3H8
Phone: 204-945-2332
Fax: 204-945-1486
Email: csc@gov.mb.ca

Maxim Truck and Trailers Career Fair Open House

On Thursday, October 25  4:30 to 7:00 pm at 1860 Brookside Blvd., check out the Job Fair Open House. They have the following positions...

  • Truck and Trailer Technicians
  • Body Repair Technician
  • Paint Technician
  • Truck and Trailer Sales
  • Parts Sales Professional
  • Used Parts Counterperson
  • Shipper / Receivers
  • Dismantlers
  • Delivery Drivers

Refreshments and prizes available

Manitoba Takes the Lead – October is Proclaimed Disability Employment Awareness Month

On October 18, 2012, the Province of Manitoba  proclaimed that every October will officially be Disability Employment Awareness Month in our province. Honourable Stan Struthers, Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Civil Service, announced the proclamation which was jointly signed by himself, The Honourable Peter Bjornson, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training & Trade, and The Honourable Jennifer Howard, Minister of Family Services and Labour.

Disability Employment Awareness Month has been celebrated in the United States for over sixty years and is an annual focal point for increasing the employment of people with disabilities. Efforts are currently underway to have Canada proclaim each October as National  Disability Employment Awareness Month. Manitoba has taken the lead! Manitoba has became the first Province to make such a proclamation. Hopefully other provinces will follow our lead in the near future.

2012 Accessibility Awards Ceremonies

It all happens from 12:30 - 2:00 PM on October 16, 2012 at City Hall, Council Building, Mayors' Foyer, 2nd floor, 510 Main Street. Check out the poster for more details.

Disability and Business: The New Green

If chief executives won medals, Justin King of J. Sainsbury, a British supermarket chain, would be sporting a gold in the marketing marathon for his prescient decision to concentrate sponsorship on the Paralympics rather than the glitzier Olympics. The plaudits he and other companies have received for backing what was previously seen as a sideshow could help change corporate attitudes to disability. Caroline Casey of Kanchi, a non-profit organisation she founded in 2004, says the cause is “the new green”... Read the full article on The Economist.

Ottawa rolls out funding for small business to hire people with disabilities

The federal government is rolling out a new phase in its program to encourage the hiring of people with disabilities. Human Resources Minister Diane Finley was in Calgary today to announce a call for proposals that will see... Read the whole article on the Winnipeg Free Press

The Power of We: Overcoming Obstacles to Make a Difference

University of Manitoba's Student Life, in partnership with Student Accessibility Services, a unit of Student Services is proud to present the Leadership Speaker Series featuring Spencer West on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at the EITC Atrium, Engineering Building, from 7 - 8:30 PM. (Seating begins at 6:30 PM.) Inspirational and charismatic, Spencer West speaks candidly about the struggles he overcame after losing his legs at the age of five. Infused with humour and humility, his thought-provoking message inspires people to find an opportunity in every challenge. This is a fully accessible, FREE event. Register by October 26, 2012.

Crafting Accessibility Law Meaningful for Minister

Manitobans have until Oct. 21 to comment on new legislation that aims to outlaw the exclusion of people with disabilities. The minister crafting the province's first accessibility law knows from personal experience how it feels. "For me, in that moment... read the whole article on the Winnipeg Free Press website.

Federal Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities survey

Earlier this year, HRSD Canada appointed a  Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Its mandate is to identify:

  • private sector best practices and successful approaches with regard to the labour market participation of persons with disabilities, and
  • barriers and disincentives employers face with respect to the employment of persons with disabilities.

While they are holding a number of consultations, they are also collecting input through this online survey.

Community Living Manitoba Needs Your Help

Community Living Manitoba is in the running for a grant from the Aviva Community Fund. Vote online to support their proposal to increase self employment for people with intellectual disabilities. And, you can vote once per day until October 15, 2012.

Disabled youth earn experience, job skills

A search for a job is tough enough these days -- but what if you have no job experience? And what if you also have intellectual disabilities? For the first time in Canada, an innovative job-training and workplace-internship program pioneered at a children's hospital in the United States is helping young adults who have intellectual disabilities in Winnipeg have a better chance of getting work after high school. Thanks to SCE LifeWorks... Read the whole article on the Winnipeg Free Press website.

Bank of Montreal Survey

BMO Survey: More than Half of Small Businesses Have Never Hired a Person with a Disability - Of the 44 per cent of small businesses that have, 77 per cent said these employees either met or exceeded their expectations - 56 per cent of small businesses in Canada have never hired a person with a disability - One-in-four businesses (23 per cent) plan to increase the size of their workforce next year - Small business owners say their biggest challenge for 2013 will be... read the full story

Ability Axis now has an rss feed

RSS image link to our RSS feed We are pleased to announce that we now have an RSS feed. Click on the RSS image to start your subscription to our channel.

Manitoba’s New Accessibility Legislation – Your Voice Needed

Read the document about the upcoming accessibility legislation. Be sure to have your voice heard by October 21, 2012.

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September 2012 News

Free Video Conference - Self-Employment Resources for People with Disabilities

Canada Manitoba Business Service Centre - Free Seminar:  Self Employment Resources for People with Disabilities. For people in Winnipeg and Rural Manitoba via video conference on October 23, 2012. View the poster.

What's In Your Future?

On Oct 2, 2012, in Thompson, MB, from 1- 4pm, attend the free workshop:  What's in Your Future?  Resources for People with Disabilities

City of Winnipeg Career Symposium

On October 16, 2012, check out the City of Winnipeg Career Symposium at the Winnipeg Convention Centre from Noon to 7PM. Admittance is free.

Great new reading

Be sure to read this insightful document called Emerging Giant – Big is Not Enough, The Global Economics of Disability

An Exceptional New Video

Be sure to check out the newest addition to our Video page called Open the Door, Get 'Em a Locker. In part, it is about a woman's journey to become a nurse and how she dealt with people's misconceptions that someone in a wheelchair cannot do the job.

Creating Opportunities: Resources for People with Disabilities

On September 19, 2012 at 1 PM in St. Viator's Hall in Dauphin, MB. Free to attend. Call 204-546-5100 to register!

Date announcement for the 2013 Employment Expo

We are so pleased to be making this announcement at this time. The date for the 2013 Ability Axis Employment Expo is Thursday, May 16, 2013. Be sure to mark your calendar and watch for further updates.

Winners of the draw for Earl's Gift Cards

For those who took the time to let us know their thoughts and suggestions about the 2012 Ability Axis Employment Expo by filling out our online survey, we thank you all. We have three lucky winners of the Earls Gift Cards - Rhonda S ($50), Andrea C ($25) and Linda C ($25). Congratulations to the three of you. Enjoy your dinner on us!

NDEAM Video

The National Disability Employment Awareness Month video is now available for viewing on YouTube. Be sure to watch this important and engaging video as well as all the videos we have shared on our video page.

New research brief

Great ideas in a new Research Brief from the United States: “Strategies to Support Employer-Driven Initiatives to Recruit and Retain Employees with Disabilities”.

2012 Ability Axis Employment Expo video

Watch the video created with images and thoughts about the 2012 Ability Axis Employment Expo. Be sure to check out all of our favourite videos on our video page.

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August 2012 News

UPDATE: Beyond Traditional Job Development presented by Denise Bissonnette

VRA members are now eligible to receive twelve Education Credits for participating in the two-day Beyond Traditional Job Development seminar.

ARTS & DISABILITY NETWORK MANITOBA
advancing accessible arts in Manitoba

ART + BODY: "Gain an understanding of how disability informs and enriches an artist's creative expression, as well as brings new perspective to the world we share".

Plan to attend on October 10th & 11th, 2012 head to Art + Body. Check out the Arts & Disability Network Manitoba website for all the details. Register by September 15, 2012 for early bird pricing.

Call for Submissions - Getting and Keeping a Job: What makes a difference

Despite barriers in the labour market, there are Canadians with disabilities who have been successful in obtaining employment and progressing in their chosen careers.  If this describes your work experience, CCD wants to hear from you by September 15, 2012 about what has contributed to your employment success. 

CCD plans to publish an anthology which will share information about what has made a difference in the working lives of Canadians with disabilities.  

Find all the information on the CCD website.

Beyond Traditional Job Development presented by Denise Bissonnette

Mark your calendar for Oct 17th and 18th, 2012. Denise Bissonnette will present a full two-day seminar on Beyond Traditional Job Development at the Canad Inns - Fort Garry in Winnipeg, MB. This is an outstanding professional development opportunity for anyone engaged in helping people with employment barriers to enter or re-enter the workforce. Don't miss it!

New Video

Be sure to check out our Video page for the newest embedded video - Look at My Ability. It is an amazing video

WFP Article - Don't look at staff as disabled Think enable

Make sure you read this article about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and great resources for finding those employees.

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july 2012 news

WFP Article about hiring people with disabilities

Be sure to check out this great article about hiring people with disabilities. This story tells about a better retention rate and zero sick time used in 2011.

2012 Expo Survey

Want your voice to be heard? Be sure to fill out our 2012 Expo Survey to let us know how we did, what you liked most, what we could improve. By doing so by August 20, 2012, you could win a gift card from Earl's Restaurants (two $25 and one $50 cards will be awarded).

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May 2012 News

New Video Collection

Every once in a while, we come across a video that we think would be of interest to you. We post it on this page, our Facebook page, our Twitter feed and our electronic newsletter. If you miss it when it is first posted and don't review the history on those pages, you will never see the video.

We have now created a Video Page where you can see all the videos any time. New ones are posted at the top of the page, but make sure you go all the way to the bottom, to be sure you haven't missed any in the past.

Donations In Kind

We would like to thank Carly Clark Photography and Fache Forward Designs for their donations in kind for the 2012 Expo.

Another New Exhibitor

Please welcome the Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program as the newest Exhibitor for the 2012 Employment Expo.

Good News story from the 2011 Expo

We just came across this good news story that came about from the 2011 Employment Expo and are happy to share it with you here.

DIO Discussion Paper

Be sure to "add your voice to the discussion". Check out The Accessibility Advisory Council Discussion Paper on Accessibility Legislation from the Disability Issues Office. Be sure to get your responses in by June 1, 2012.

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April 2012 News

Another Sponsor

By making it possible for a greater number of job seekers with disabilities to attend our Best Practices Breakfast, the Winnipeg Foundation joins us as a Bronze Sponsor.

Great Video to Watch

Be sure to check out this great video about the hearing impaired.

Be part of "The Crew"

Manitobans are among the best known around the the country for their volunteerism. The Ability Axis Employment Expo is now recruiting volunteers. Preference will be given to volunteers arranged through exhibiting Agencies. Check out our volunteer page for all the details and the volunteer forms.

Fixed - the movie

If you could augment your body's capabilities in any way imaginable what would you do? From pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to neural implants to bionic limbs, researchers around the world are hard at work developing a myriad of technologies to fix or enhance the human body. What does it mean to design better humans and should we want to?

FIXED takes a critical look at the direction of emerging human enhancement technologies through the eyes of three people with significant disabilities a scientist, a journalist, and a community organizer who each play very different roles in this developing field. Watch the trailer now.

Another New Exhibitor

Please welcome HumanWare to the Confirmed Exhibitors list.

Accommodation in the Workplace

Check out the May 28th, 2012 seminar - Human Rights in the Workplace - Discussing Human Rights Law Issues Affecting Canadian Workplaces by Donna Seale

More Exhibitors

We are excited to announce our ever-expanding list of Confirmed Exhibitors now includes Province of Manitoba - Entrepreneurship Training & Trade, Service Canada and Province of Manitoba - Entrepreneurship Training & Trade Small Business Development.

Our Growing Sponsors roster

Please welcome the Province of Manitoba - Entrepreneurship Training & Trade as our newest Silver Sponsor for the 2012 Employment Expo.

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March 2012 News

Another Sponsor

Our thanks to our newest Bronze Sponsor, Red River College. Check out all of our sponsors on our Sponsors Page.

More Exhibitors

Thanks to Enabling Access, Manitoba Hydro, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development and Artbeat Studio Inc - the newest Exhibitors at the 2012 Employment Expo.

This Wisconsin organization has it right

People with disabilities are prepared to contribute and participate. Check out this great video.

Being an Exhibitor is very popular!

The Society for Manitobans with Disabilities - Employment Preparation Centre, SAIR Centre of Learning, Province of Manitoba - Civil Service Commission, New Flyer Industries and Community Living Winnipeg have all signed up as Exhibitors at the 2012 Employment Expo. Have you gotten your registration in yet?

Another Sponsor

Please welcome the Province of Manitoba - Civil Service Commission as our newest Silver Sponsor.

more New Exhibitors

Province of Manitoba - Family Services & Labour and Manitoba Farmers with Disabilities are the newest Exhibitors at the 2012 Employment Expo.

New Sponsor

A big thank you to Cargill Limited, who join us as a Silver Sponsor. Please be sure to visit their booth at the Expo.

New Exhibitors

Please welcome Cargill Limited and the Manitoba Customer Contact Association as the newest Exhibitors for the 2012 Expo.

No Arms, No Legs, No Worries video

Check out this amazing trailer for the No Arms, No Legs, No Worries video featuring Australian Nick Vujicic.

Another Exhibitor

We are pleased to welcome CNIB - Manitoba Division as the newest exhibitor at the 2012 Employment Expo.

Denise Bissonnette Workshop at the 2012 Expo

Geared towards Students, Job Seekers and those currently employed, Denise Bissonnette will hold a free Workshop inspiring attendees to move beyond their barriers; to think about what you have to offer employers and what they have to offer you. Don't miss this workshop, which offers a wonderful mix of the practical and the philosophical, offering a big picture view with small, doable ways to begin and continue one's journey towards passion and possibility in the world of work.

More Exhibitors

SCE Lifeworks and Manitoba Lotteries are our newest exhibitors. Be sure to check them out at the 2012 Expo!

Communicating Effectively with Attendees who Have Intellectual Disabilities

Read this enlightening article, written by Caryn Birch of Epic Opportunities, for insights on how to communicate with Job Seekers at the Expo who may or may not have the assistance of a support person or job coach.

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February 2012 News

More Exhibitors

We have two new Exhibitors - TD Canada Trust and the Independent Living Resource Centre. Thank you both!

Newest Sponsor

Please welcome TD Canada Trust as our newest Silver Sponsor at the 2012 Employment Expo.

Two Free Webinars by Keynote Speaker, Gary Karp

Be sure to check out the two great webinars by the 2012 Best Practices Breakfast speaker, Gary Karp on February 21 and 23, 2012. You can find links to the webinars on our Events Calendar page.

Another Sponsor

Many thanks to Manitoba Public Insurance for becoming a Silver Sponsor for the 2012 Expo.

Our First Sponsor!

Sponsorship of the 2012 Employment Expo has begun. Thank you to our first Sponsor, Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, who have just joined us at the Donor level.

Want to find out more about becoming a Sponsor? Check out the Sponsorship Opportunities available.

Three new exhibitors!

Many thanks to our newest Exhibitors - Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, Assiniboine Credit Union and Eastman Employment Services. Find out about these and all our other previously announced Exhibitors for the 2012 Employment Expo on our Confirmed Exhibitors page.

Youth Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities

CCRW Youth Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities 2012

Purpose:

To assist students with disabilities in their pursuit for post-secondary education and training.

Supported and administered by:

The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)

Awards:

Eight scholarships in the amount of $2,500.00 each are available for the academic year beginning September 2012.

Conditions/Eligibility:

To be considered, scholarship applicants must:

  • Be a person with a long-term and reoccurring disability that restricts the ability of a person to perform the activities necessary to participate in educational activities. This limitation is expected to remain with the person for life
  • Be a high school student entering the first year of studies in a Canadian post-secondary institution that is recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada at the undergraduate level
  • Be a full-time student (vs part-time)
  • Not be involved in the selection process or be a close family member of any scholarship selection committee member
  • Not have been awarded one of these CCRW Scholarships in the past. Scholarships are not renewable, one time payment only

Criteria:

The applications of candidates meeting the above considerations will be forwarded to the selection committee. Applications are evaluated on a number of factors including:

  • Community involvement
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Approach to overcoming barriers
  • Academic performance
  • Educational goals and direction

To Apply:

To be considered, all parts of the scholarship application form must be completed in full and all supporting documentation must be included. All required documentation must be received at The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) (for address, see below) no later than 4:30 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012.

Submission of an application signifies an applicant's agreement to comply with all stated conditions of the award program. This includes permission to include recipient’s name and/or image in press releases and promotional material, as well as permission to release contact information to reputable members of the press.

Applications:

For more information, go the the CCRW website

Free Webinar Featuring Denise Bissonnette

February 10, 2012 - 10 AM to 10:45 AM - Denise will be joining David Zinger of the Employee Engagement Network for a 45 minute webinar entitled Seven Essential Questions for Wholehearted Engagement at Work. In a lively discussion with her esteemed friend and colleague, Denise will challenge and inspire attendees to bring fresh vitality to their everyday work by engaging in questions that reach below the surface of our ordinary worklife experience. Registration is limited to the first 100 people.

Two new exhibitors

We would like to thank and welcome Community Living Manitoba and Opportunities for Employment who join us as Confirmed Exhibitors in the 2012 Employment Expo.

Group rate on Lodging

We have arranged a group rate for hotel rooms for those who need to spend the night in Winnipeg, while they attend the Expo. Go to our location page for all the details.

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January 2012 News

Newest Exhibitor

Our newest exhibitor for the 2012 Employment Expo is New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families. Find information on all our exhibitors on our Confirmed Exhibitors page.

Registrations open

Do you want to register for the Best Practices Breakfast? Go to our Registration page now!

YouTube Video to watch and enjoy

Watch this great video about a how a South African burger chain won over 800,000 customers with a handful of seeds.

Online Inventory of Organizations

A big welcome to the SMD - Employment Preparation Centre (EPC), the newest organization on our online Organization page. Be sure to check them out.

Registrations now open for the 2012 Employment Expo

Are you interested in becoming a Sponsor, and Exhibitor or attending the Best Practices Breakfast at the 2012 Expo? You also go directly to our Registration page to download the Registration form.

Online Inventory of Organizations

Please welcome Community Futures Manitoba to our growing list of Organizations. Should your organization be listed there as well?

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Preparing for Work…Preparing for Life

MSEN’s new School to Work Transition brochure is now available in to download. The document is a model for implementing Supported Employment as part of the Transition to Adulthood in High School Programming for students with disabilities.

USBLN launches new video

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) has launched a national public education campaign titled, "I Am, I Can, I Do". The campaign includes a series of 30 and 60 second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) showcasing people with disabilities who "Do!"

AMC Entertainment Inc., a USBLN member company debuted the first in this PSA series in their theatres in late September 2011 and continued the showings throughout October in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). It was aired in 5,000 movie theaters nationwide reaching over 20 million viewers. Watch the video here.

2012 Expo Bookmarks are in

The bookmarks for the 2012 Expo are now in. Place your order of bookmarks by email. Order some to share within your organization or business.

Another Great Partner

Welcome to Red River College, Disability and Community Support Program as our newest partner for the 2012 Employment Expo.

Our Expanding Organizations list

Welcome to Segue Career Options who joins our growing inventory of exceptional organizations in Manitoba who assist persons with disabilities find employment. Thank you all!

Thanks to our newest partners

We welcome Westman Coalition for Employment Opportunities Inc, Trailblazers Life Choices Inc, Winnipeg Transition Centre and Diversity World as our newest Partners for the 2012 Expo. Don't miss your opportunity to become a Partner as well.

Global Business and Disability Network

The International Labour Organization has launched a new website – The Global Business and Disability Network. If you are keen on knowing on how employment for people with disabilities is progressing across the globe, be sure to check it out,

Accessibility Advisory Council

The Government of Manitoba’s newly-formed Accessibility Advisory Council is up and running. Its task is to make recommendations on new legislation needed to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility for persons with disabilities in Manitoba. On many levels, this is likely to significantly enhance employment opportunities. The MB Hotel Association, Retail Council of Canada, and MB Restaurant and Foodservices Association are all represented on the Advisory Council.

More new partners

Thank you to Sair Centre of Learning and Connect Employment Services Inc on becoming our newest Expo Partners. Don't miss your opportunity to do the same!

More Great organizations

Please welcome the Canadian Mental Health Association, Red River College - Job Centre, Sair Centre of Learning and Westman Coalition for Employment Opportunities Inc. They have all joined the growing list on our Organizations Page that are featured on our website that serve the employment needs of persons with disabilities in Manitoba.

The keynote speaker for the 2012 Best practices Breakfast is Gary Karp

We are so excited that Gary will be delivering the keynote address at the Best Practices Breakfast. Gary is a well-known speaker on Modern Disability. Don't miss this great opportunity to be at the breakfast on May 17, 2012.

And the winner is....

Congratulations to Chris Gaulin, owner of Wi-Fi Country in Dauphin, MB, who won the Just Watch Me! video contest. If you haven't already done so, be sure to watch Chris's winning video.

EI rules not unfair to disabled: ruling

"A Winnipeg woman who has Down syndrome lost her bid to rewrite Canada's employment insurance rules." Read the full story.

Employing Abilities

Procter & Gamble opens its doors to a new kind of worker. Read the article written about the changes that P&G is making to include persons with disabilities into their workforce.

More partner news

Reaching E-Quality Employment Services has now joined the list of organizations who are partnering with the Employment Expo.

Another Organization joins the list

Be sure to check out the information about Trailblazers Life Choices Inc on our Organizations page.

Another 2012 Expo Partner

Be sure to check out our newest partner, Sara Riel Inc on our Partners page.

2012 Employment Expo Partner

We are pleased to announce that our first partner is SCE Lifeworks. Keep checking as we add new Partners for the 2012 Employment Expo.

Addition to our Organizations page

Read all about SCE Lifeworks - one of the outstanding organizations that serves local persons with disabilities listed on our Organizations Page.

Ricky Gervais video PSA for jobability.com

Make sure you watch this one minute PSA video about jobability.com in the UK right to the end.

Bank of Montreal

In a recent news release, the Bank of Montreal outlined its strategies for increasing the number of people with disabilities in its workforce.

Denise Bissonnette presents "Clueless"

Denise Bissonnette's poem, Clueless, challenges us to look beyond a person's barriers or limitations and gain a more expansive view of their passion and their possibilities. Don't miss this five minute video.

US National Disability Employment Awareness Month

It is the 2011 National Disability Employment Awareness Month: “Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities”. Check out their poster.

Online inventory of Organizations

We have created a growing online inventory of organizations that provide employment services to people with disabilities in Manitoba. The following organizations have been added to the list on our Organizations Page. But be sure to keep checking back as we continue to add new Organizations.

  • Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development
  • Connect Employment Services Inc
  • Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training & Trade
  • Manitoba Farmers with Disabilities
  • New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families
  • Opportunities for Employment
  • Premier Personnel

Equal Opportunity in the Workplace

Read the National Post article about the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and other comments.

2011 MB Customer Contact Association Employer Tours

October 18 - 20, 2011 - The Manitoba Customer Contact Association (MCCA) has made arrangements with six contact centres in Winnipeg to host tours of their facilities. These tours are designed to increase awareness and educate individuals, organizations and service providers about career paths and current job opportunities. There are a variety of tours available for you to attend over the course of 3 the days shown above. Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes.

The employers are:

  • AAA Alarms
  • Great West Life Assurance Company
  • Manitoba Public Insurance
  • MTS Allstream
  • RBC Royal Bank Customer Contact Centre
  • Western Financial Insurance Company

If you are an entrepreneur with a disability and have a business success story to share, you could win $1000.

All you need to do is create a two or three minute video and enter it in the “Just Watch Me” contest by October 31, 2011.

This video contest, run by the Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP), is open to people with self-identified disabilities or ongoing health conditions living in rural Western Canada.

Location for the 2012 Expo Confirmed

We are please to announce that we have confirmed the Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Avenue, as the site of the May 17, 2012 Expo. This is the same site as last year – and we received a lot of great feedback from attendees and exhibitors alike!

The hockey world loses its best disability ambassador – Winnipegger, Earl Cook.

Watch the video about Earl and check out the article on CBC.

Volunteers with Disabilities Contribute Over 46,000 Hours to Communities in Manitoba

Ability Axis, September 2011 - Under the Province’s Rewarding Work Program, Manitobans with disabilities who receive support through Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) are able to receive financial benefits for doing volunteer work. The Rewarding Volunteers Benefit (RVB) program, which became effective in 2009, gives added benefits of $50/month to recipients who volunteer at least four times per month and $100/month to recipients who volunteer eight or more times per month. The program is intended to encourage individuals on EIA to engage in volunteer work and the financial benefits are intended, in part, to offset any expenses (e.g. transportation) that might be incurred by the participant. Participants can use these volunteer experiences to further their employability and careers by honing their work skills, building their personal networks, and increasing their workplace savvy and confidence.

In the first full year of the RVP program (2009/2010), a monthly average of 328 people volunteered 8 times or more and earned $100 in additional benefits and 135 people volunteered at least four times (but less than 8) and earned $50 in additional benefits – for combined annual benefits of approximately $474,600. In the second year (2010/2011), a monthly average of 411 people earned $100 and 141 people earned $50 – for combined annual benefits of approximately $577,800.

While it is difficult to accurately tally the total amount of time that folks in the RVB program have contributed, these statistics give us an important glimpse into one of the many ways that Manitobans with disabilities are contributing to the health and vitality of our communities. Even if each volunteer “time” represents only one hour, 411 people volunteered no more than 8 times monthly, and 141 people volunteered no more than 4 times monthly… in 2010/2011 people in the RVB program would have collectively invested over 46,000 hours of their time and talent to community organizations in Manitoba. This is an extremely conservative estimate and the real number of hours they invested is likely much higher!

2012 Ability Axis Employment Expo

Mark your calendar for the next Employment Expo - May 17, 2012

Watch the 2011 Ability Axis Employment Expo Video

Be sure to check out the video created to capture the 2011 Employment Expo. You can see it on our video page or directly on our YouTube Channel.

CNN Report on Walgreens' Newest Distribution Centre

Following up on the exciting presentation that Walgreens VP, Randy Lewis made at our Best Practices Breakfast, we are happy to share this recent video of CNN's report on Walgreens newest distribution centre in Windsor, CT.

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Ability Axis Partners

Manitoba Customer Contact Association logo link to the MCCA website


Funded By

Government of Canada Logo logo for and link to Government of Canada website

Province of Manitoba logo logo for and link to the Province of Manitoba website