Blog
October 19th 2009 | 1
An institution is not a home
While Greg Selinger was selected as the new Premier of Manitoba, two groups protested on the chilly sidewalk outside the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Friends of People First Canada decried the NDP for giving money to the Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC), and called for its closure.
Alongside them, associates of The Canadian Federation of Students demonstrated to shine light on the issue of poverty in Manitoba.
The MDC protesters hoped that the yet-undecided new Premier would meet with them. Harry Wolbert, co-chair of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities said that they were promised the candidates would speak with the group, but no appointments had been made.
Dave Weremy, an ex-resident of the MDC said that he was there to “close it down.”
Weremy lived there for 18 years, but has been living in Winnipeg for the past ten. He was featured in the documentary “The Freedom Tour” which collected the stories of deinstitutionalized people.
Weremy’s words were brief but poignant. He described living there as “bad” and that he wanted to “free” the people that still live there.
Kevin Johnson from People First described MDC as “a shit hole.”
Johnson would like to see the approximately 300 people currently living at MDC move into the community.
Placards were waved and slogans were shouted from behind a line of yellow caution tape. Protesters weren’t allowed inside the Convention Centre while demonstrating, but security was not a big presence. After about an hour and a half of demonstrating on the chilly sidewalk, members dispersed and were able to warm up inside.
Wolbert said he was encouraged at the turnout.
Discussion
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I suppose Johnson would rather see the MDC take on the “housing first” strategy that has worked so fabulously in the past? If there is any organization in Manitoba that aids those whose mental disabilities prevent them from fully engaging in the community, so much the better. To leave them to their own devices under the guise of wanting them to be in a homelike setting would be an incredible disservice. If living conditions in the MDC are that objectionable, they at least need a chance to be improved.
– Jess C. in Winnipeg, MB | October 21st 2009 at 8:29am | Link
