Our provincial government has announced funding to support disability services in Manitoba.

Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS) providers supporting adults with intellectual disabilities will receive $10 million in new funding from Budget 2022. This will increase front-line wages to a minimum-funded baseline rate of $15.11 per hour for direct services workers and $16.11 per hour for supervisors.

The program will also increase service rates to day service providers by 2.7 per cent to support improved wages and their recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.

"Our government is committed to reducing barriers and providing the necessary supports and services that empower children and adults with a disability to discover their talents, pursue their dreams and live independently," says Premier Heather Stefanson. "Budget 2022 is about investing in our communities and we are proud to support Manitobans with disabilities and their families, and we look forward to continue working collaboratively with this sector to build a future full of hope and opportunity."

The provincial government has committed nearly $29 million towards supporting disability services and increasing wages of staff that provide them. This investment will also decrease wait times for accessing services for children and youth with disabilities and their families and build additional capacity in the disability sector.

"These important investments recognize the essential work performed by our front-line service workers and ensures adults with an intellectual disability are supported in living meaningful, inclusive lives in the community," says Families Minister Rochelle Squires. "We recognize this is an important first step and will continue to engage with the sector in the months ahead to develop initiatives to further support and strengthen these critical services."

To further support the workforce, the Manitoba government is providing funding in the amount of $370,000 to Abilities Manitoba to coordinate a CLDS awareness campaign to support sector recruitment and deliver essential training for sector staff to ensure CLDS participants receive safe services and support.