Resolution to Close the Manitoba Developmental Centre (to be presented at 2010 Manitoba Liberal Party A.G.M)

The following resolution will be presented at the Manitoba Liberal Party A.G.M on April 23 -24, 2010.



Located in Portage la Prairie, the Manitoba Developmental Centre, also known as MDC, is a residential care facility for adults with an intellectual disability. The Centre provides 24 hour care, supervision and developmental programs for about 300 residents. When it was developed it represented the approach which at the time was viewed as ideal, and many people who live in Portage la Prairie have contributed their careers to this facility and to helping those at this facility. But over time, as improved understanding of those with intellectual disabilities and their needs has developed, individuals with such disabilities are now placed in the community as is happening all over North America and Europe.

On December 10, 2004 the Province of Manitoba announced it was planning to invest $40 million in the upgrade of the Manitoba Developmental Centre. The disability community was outraged by the decision to invest funds in an outdated system of care. They weren't even consulted with prior to the announcement. Organizations which advocate on behalf of individuals with an intellectual disability continue to call for the closure of MDC and all other facilities like it. Newfoundland, New Brunswick, British Columbia and Ontario have closed all of their large facilities for people with developmental disabilities. It is a matter of time only before Manitoba too follows this path.

Whereas the Government of Canada has recently ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which states in Article 19 (a) that "Persons with disabilities have the opportunity to choose their place of residence and where and with whom they live on an equal basis with others and are not obliged to live in a particular living arrangement;" and

Whereas the number of individuals that die each year (approx. 15) coupled with the number of individuals that leave MDC each year for the community (approx. 12) would in less than 10 years make MDC no longer financially feasible and

Whereas the Government of Manitoba is committed to the inclusion and full-citizenship of all persons with disabilities as outlined in Full Citizenship: A Manitoba Provincial Strategy on Disability (2001) and Opening DOORS: Manitoba's Commitment to Persons with Disabilities (2009) and

Whereas the Liberal Party has been a pioneer and a champion of new ideas around the delivery of health care and social services in this proviuce as well as across Canada

Be it resolved that the Manitoba Liberal Party call for the 'closure' of the Manitoba Developmental Centre - MDC over a period of 3-5 years and that this be done in direct consultation with Manitoba's disability community, the City of Portage, MDC and the union(s) which represent MDC employees

Be it further resolved that the Manitoba Liberal Party call for a major provincial economic development investment in Portage la Prairie to replace the Manitoba Development Centre which has contributed many jobs in Portage la Prairie, and that the Manitoba Liberal Party supports consultations with the City Council of Portage la Prairie and various stakeholders in Portage la Prairie to develop a plan for this major investment.