In 2021, CNIB embarked on the largest consultation process in our history. We spoke with tens of thousands of people with different backgrounds and experiences with sight loss to create our new strategic plan, The Way Forward. We heard consistently from youth who are blind, low vision, or Deafblind and their parents that kids with sight loss still face barriers to access the supports they need to thrive alongside their sighted peers.
Ahead of Manitoba’s 2023 General Election, CNIB provided a survey to each major Party in Manitoba to share their positions on priorities for Manitobans who are blind, low vision, or Deafblind.
CNIB is a non-partisan entity and we present the following summary of responses in the spirit of unbiased information sharing. Below, you can read the responses in the order we received them.
In October, CNIB introduced “Get on Board!” – a new advocacy campaign centred on accessible transit as part of our strategic commitment to Safe and Accessible Journeys. The “Get on Board!” campaign examined the accessibility of buses, light rail, and ferries operated by 13 transit authorities and shed light on the obstacles encountered by individuals with sight loss when navigating publicly funded fixed-route transit services in various municipalities across Canada. It also provided opportunities for CNIB to develop and strengthen relationships with government and transit officials in each participating community. While the fall launch laid the foundation for our ongoing advocacy work, we’re excited to introduce the next phase of the "Get on Board!" transit campaign.
Today, 23 new partnerships, including 15 guide dogs, seven buddy dogs, and one ambassador dog, formally graduated as part of the CNIB Guide Dogs Class of 2024.
As part of the celebration, viewing parties of the graduation ceremony were held in communities across Canada. For many graduates, these events signified not only the end of months of anticipation and formal training – but also a tribute to all the individuals who supported each dog in their journey, making these partnerships possible.
April 17, 2024 – Yesterday, the Government of Canada released Budget 2024 and announced that the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit will start in July 2025, pending a regulatory design process. The benefit will be funded with $6.1 billion over the next six years.
This investment equates to a proposed maximum of $200 per month for eligible recipients who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Further, Budget 2024 does not invest in a strategy or programs that enable people who are blind or have low vision to join the workforce.
While the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act was an important first step, CNIB joins the growing list of organizations and advocates calling on the government to commit to more support to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
