Co-Chairpersons Report
I would like to thank the Provincial Council for giving me another opportunity to serve as Co-Chairperson during this
challenging year. We were quite busy during the year working on our new Operational Plan, working with Manitoba Family
Services and Housing to maintain continued funding and making sure our members were kept up to date.
Acquiring funds continues to be one of our major challenges. During the year, we received many donations through our
direct mail campaign and this has been our best year to date. We wish to thank our many donors. We appreciate the funding
support and encouragement from our government and foundation funders - The Province of Manitoba, Manitoba Family Services
and Housing; Office for Disability Issues, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada; the Council of Canadians with
Disabilities; the Winnipeg Foundation; the Michael J. Rosner Fund; Grant Mitchell and the Manitoba Bar Association; Manitoba
Hydro Selkirk & Interlake Employees' Charitable Donations Committee and a Foundation preferring to remain anonymous.
Throughout the year, the volunteers have been the heart and soul of the MLPD. Without their help, we would not have been
successful. A sincere thank you to committee and Provincial Council members, Branch Representatives and especially to
our office volunteers. We have a new face in our office, Libby Zdriluk. Libby was hired under Employment Manitoba Wage
Subsidy Program to gain skills in a variety of areas. She has been very helpful in assembling and distributing our
quarterly Alert, assisting with public presentation and providing office assistance to Josie. As for Josie, she just
celebrated her 31st year of working with MLPD. A special thank you to our office staff, Josie and Libby, for their
support throughout the year. They often work under great stress and time restraints. Also thank you to Daniel for his
volunteer work in the office.
Next year will continue to be bigger and better for MLPD with our Operational Plan into full gear. The MLPD is a united
voice of people with disabilities, and their supporters that promotes equal rights, full participation in society, and
facilitates positive change through advocacy and public education. We will continue to grow and improve as we strive
to fulfill our mission.
Terry McIntosh
Co-Chairperson
On behalf of the Provincial Council and staff, we would like to extend warm birthday greetings to all of our membership
and friends as we celebrate our 35th Anniversary as an advocacy organization.
Our 2008/09 year has had its challenges as well as its achievements. A number of our members have experienced significant
changes in their health. There are also some members who are no longer with us. Most notable was the passing of Dan
Smith, a long time MLPD member.
In January 2009, MLPD Provincial Council introduced and began implementing our brand new 'operational plan'. The
Provincial Council expresses appreciation to Jim Derksen for his assistance in developing that plan. On May 26, 2009 Jim
received an honorary doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Manitoba. Congratulations Jim!
As an organization, we are in much better shape than we were a year ago. Our membership has been steadily increasing and
our financial situation is more stable. We would like to thank all of our donors and the many volunteers who have
supported us as we have gone through a period of restructuring.
The MLPD continues to champion issues that are of interest and concern to persons with disabilities. Lately, there have
been a few new issues that have found their way onto the radar screen. One of these is the recent College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Manitoba Statement on Withholding and Withdrawing of Life-Sustaining Treatment. We have voiced our
concerns regarding this document to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.
As we continue to move forward, other issues and challenges are sure to arise. And as they do, the MLPD will be ready
to deal with each new one.
Harry Wolbert
Co-Chairperson
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