February 10, 2025
On January 23rd, Manitobans gathered at the Manitoba Legislative Building, also known as The People’s Building to celebrate the closure of the Manitoba Developmental Centre.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, Branden DeFoort, the director of “These Four Walls”, Sean Traverse, former resident of MDC and David Weremy, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit against the Manitoba government spoke about the great significance of the closure. David Weremy and Sean Traverse unveiled a commemorative plaque that will be displayed in the MDC cemetery, while Minister Fontaine spoke about a 1-million-dollar endowment fund with the Winnipeg Foundation that will grant awards to community organizations to fund initiatives promoting the inclusion of individuals living with disabilities.
The closure of the MDC is a necessary step in the journey towards a more inclusive Manitoba. We celebrate and centre the lives of people with disabilities, and strive to create a community where their dignity and autonomy is honoured.
