Fontaine commits to training after ASL comments

Manitoba’s minister responsible for accessibility says she and her staff will undergo training after she made controversial comments during a speech last month.

Nahanni Fontaine made the announcement in a social media post Sunday afternoon, alongside an American Sign Language interpreter.

“My team and I will undergo deaf and deaf culture training to deepen our understanding, confront gaps and ensure our actions reflect true respect and inclusion, not just intention,” Fontaine said.

Speaking during a graduation ceremony for Indigenous women on June 26, Fontaine was caught complaining about sharing the stage with an ASL interpreter. The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network later released the ‘hot mic’ footage.

Fontaine, who is also families minister, apologized several times since, including again Sunday.

“I take full responsibility for my words, full stop,” she said in the video.

In addition to training, Fontaine said she would appoint a deaf or hard of hearing “matriarch” to join the Matriarch Circle of advisers.

She also promised to introduce amendments to the Accessibility for Manitobans Act in the spring.

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In addition, a dedicated ASL interpreter would be hired for all government departments, she said.

“I’m human. I made a mistake, but I will do better and I will keep showing up and continue the work of building a truly inclusive Manitoba for everyone,” she said.