WEBVTT

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[SIGNER]: Hello! This is DeafDots,
9 January 2026.

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Bringing alerts & news reports at intervals
for all Deaf Canadians.

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Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and
follow DeafDots to get new video updates!

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[DAWN]: Bill 6, the Sign Languages Recognition Act,
was introduced for its first reading in

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the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
on December 3, 2025.

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This Act “recognizes sign languages,
including American Sign Language (ASL),

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Quebec Sign Language (LSQ), Indigenous sign
languages and tactile sign languages” as

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the “primary languages for communication by
the Deaf and Deaf-Blind communities in Manitoba.”

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This news caused some confusion among Deaf
people who said Manitoba had already

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recognized sign language in 1988.

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[DAWN]: This was a Private Member's Resolution by
Reg Alcock, a member of the Manitoba Liberal Party.

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A resolution is a formal statement of recognition or
position of the legislative Assembly.

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It does not become a Law.

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Really a Resolution and an Act are different.
The resolution is more of a formal proposal,

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for example "we, the government recognize
ASL as Deaf people's language in Manitoba",

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it’s an official recognition.

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People then vote on it, no disagreement,
all must agree to vote Yes.

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Does that make it a law with fines? None.

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Nothing.

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Just getting information out, that's it.

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It could be a good start because it
overcomes people's resistance about ASL.

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It's a first start; we need to
continue this progress.

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[DAWN]: The new Bill 6 was tabled on December
3rd by Manitoba Minister responsible for

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Accessibility, Nahanni Fontaine.

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A DeafDots report in July 2025 mentioned
Fontaine's apology for complaining to

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a person off camera about the
sign language being on the stage.

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Now proposing as a Bill,
which does not become a Law.

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It's a legal submission to recognize ASL,
LSQ and also Indigenous Sign Languages of

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Deaf Manitobans within the province.

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If all votes and it passes, that's called
First Reading which is a government process.

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Then it needs to go to a Standing Committee
which the Deaf Community should involve ensuring

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appropriate language what it should say.

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I have never experienced this;
this goes much further and

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could actually become Law.

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I want the whole Deaf community to get
involved and share their ideas based on

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experiences and frustrations.

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Once the entire process takes place
and is finalized, which is expected to

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be ready in about, I believe February
from what they say.

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We need to work hard to bring it to
parliament before the MLA for discussion and

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revisions before it can be accepted and passed.

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This is called the Second Reading.

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There is one more step, the Third Reading
which may involve further changes before

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it is brought in, we need to remain
vigilant of any further changes and

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fight for needed revision.

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An example would be, let's suppose "it's hard,
it's not, it may", we say no!"

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This means we need an expert in English to
review the language closely.

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Once the process is done, I would say
around May or June 2026, it is looked at,

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maybe touched up, then final vote.

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That would be the final step
then it goes for Royal Assent.

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With Royal Assent, the Bill changes to an Act.

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In other words, it is now a Law.

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That means fines can be imposed for
not providing interpreters, fines to

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whoever doesn't force them to abide.

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[DAWN]: Manitoba was the second province
in Canada to introduce accessibility legislation,

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The Accessibility for Manitobans Act which
passed in 2013 and went into effect in 2017

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requires the public sector to prepare and
update accessibility plans in Employment,

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Information and Communication,
Transportation and Outdoor Spaces.

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It requires organizations to remove barriers
in communication but does not explicitly

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recognize sign language.

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[DAWN]: Also in December, Wayne Balcaen with
Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba (PC)

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and Member of Manitoba Legislative Assembly (MLA)
for Brandon West, Manitoba tabled Bill 225:

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The Deaf Awareness Week and
Day of Sign Language Act.

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This is a private member's bill, not a resolution.

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The bill seeks to amend
the existing Commemoration

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of Days, Weeks and Months Act,
by adding a schedule that

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proclaims an annual “Deaf Awareness Week”
and “Day of Sign Languages.”

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It does not amend law.

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[DAWN]: What role, if any, did MDA play
behind either of these two Bills?

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I was told that MDA was involved or
worked with Nahanni Fontaine on Bill 6?

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Manitoba Deaf Association (MDA) itself worked
in collaboration with Nahanni Fontaine at

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the Accessibility Council meetings.

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[DAWN]: Is MDA taking any further actions
in pushing for passage of either Bill?

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MDA itself has shared information on
the topic of Bill 6 with the members;

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public Facebook and other websites
to the Deaf Community.

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We will keep continuing to update everyone.

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We will collect feedback on Bill 6, and we
will write a letter to the Standing Committee.

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[DAWN]: How would Bill 6 benefit the Deaf community?

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Bill 6 should include accessibility of ASL, LSQ,
and ISL on all services, departments, hospitals &

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clinics, schools, etc.

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There will be a PIP with interpreters for
Premier or ministers' important announcements or

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emergencies, questions & answers, public
campaigns and departments' meetings.

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Manitoba's Sign Languages Recognition Act,
Bill 6 does not list what is required of

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the government to provide.

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For example information and communication
in ASL, LSQ and Indigenous Sign Languages

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isn't mentioned, Sign Language Development
milestones framework for ages 0 to 5 children

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isn't mentioned, requirements for the government to

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establish ASL, LSQ and Indigenous Sign Languages
assessments for ASLPI proficiency, LSQPI,

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and Indigenous Sign Languages
proficiency isn't there.

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Establishing K grade 12 ASL, LSQ
and Indigenous Sign Languages curriculum(s)

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as Study of Language in schools isn't included.

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Nor is recognition of ASL, LSQ and Indigenous
Sign Languages as official sign language of

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instruction in Deaf Schools isn't mentioned.

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Or providing public service online information
in ASL, LSQ and Indigenous Sign Languages.

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There is no requirement for the government to
provide ASL, LSQ and Indigenous Sign Languages

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training, public service in ASL, LSQ
and Indigenous Sign Languages.

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There also is no mention of Manitoba
provincial TV programs having ASL, LSQ or

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Indigenous Sign Languages.

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Plain languages documents the government
distributes in ASL, LSQ or

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Indigenous Sign Languages are not mentioned.

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It is important that all Deaf people in
Manitoba attend public hearings for

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the Second Reading Bill to give
feedback on what must be included in

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the legislation and regulations to
require the government to provide services

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in ASL, LSQ and Indigenous Sign Languages.

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It's important to list them.

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Canada's history over the years related to
Sign Language recognition is mixed.

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On the Federal level, in 2019 the Accessible
Canada Act was passed and became law.

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It recognizes ASL, LSQ and
Indigenous Sign Languages

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as primary languages for Deaf people.

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It was an important milestone, yes but... does it
officially recognize it in the same manner as

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French and English?

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It doesn't.

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It still has its limitations.

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As for provinces, some do recognize but
on different levels and it varies.

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In BC in 2021 they passed the Accessibility
Act recognizing ASL, LSQ and Indigenous Sign

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Languages as languages for accessibility.

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Ontario hasn't formally recognized sign
languages as a law, but many programs support ASL

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and LSQ rights.

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In Alberta, it isn't recognized yet.

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In Quebec, LSQ is widespread and supported,
but it does not have a stand-alone Sign

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Language Recognition Act on its own.

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Quebec is very supportive.

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In other provinces, there is no formal recognition.

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Manitoba, if Bill 6 actually passes,
would make them the first province with

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a clear, direct and strong
sign language recognition law.

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That's really huge, and impressive!
Fingers crossed that it gets through!

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[DAWN]: DeafDots contacted Deaf
Centre Manitoba Inc (DCM),

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a Deaf social service agency
in Winnipeg if they were

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involved in drafting or making suggestions
on either of the two bills above.

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DCM Inc involved in drafting or
revising the Bill, no.

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We provide advice and feedback to
the Manitoba government as needed.

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[DAWN]: How would either Bill impact
the Deaf community in Manitoba?

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Seven people from seven different organizations
went to the Manitoba government to

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witness the first reading.

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It was inspiring knowing it passed
the first reading and now moves on

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to the second and third reading.

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Knowing what it would impact...

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the big doors of business, schools,
nonprofit organizations would know

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they must provide interpreters needed by
the Manitoba Deaf Community,

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a thrill and excitement to look forward to.

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[DAWN]: What are the potential impacts
when a government recognizes sign language

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as an official language?

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Now with recognition of sign language
the impact is huge.

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Big impact, for sure! Firstly, equality...
the government finally recognizes Deaf

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and sign languages as a real language,
cultural, equality and identity...

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no special needs... sign language rights,
equality and human rights won't be necessary.

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It would be in writing.

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Secondly accessibility would improve
related to government agencies

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as they would be required to provide
sign language interpreters.

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Deaf people would get access to information,
public service in sign language, schools,

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doctors and healthcare... doctors, dentists
so on... courts... they would all be

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accountable to provide
accessibility for all... in signs.

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Thirdly would be education,
key to Deaf children

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gaining knowledge and stronger
first language rights.

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That is already being seen as really important
and not as optional... something that could be

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minimized or put aside, no... that would
reduce language deprivation. 

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And fourthly... Lastly... employment and
training would have more demand for

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quality interpreters... Deaf professionals...

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Deaf instructors, community growth.

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Fifthly awareness and reduced stigma towards
Deaf people and not dealing with them...

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thinking we're all alike... that would be reduced.

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The public would learn about Signs, its
importance to have, increased better respect for

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our Community, all Deaf individuals...
Deaf, Deafblind, hard of hearing

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and differences in our community.

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We would get better respect from the public.

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Lastly what it all adds up to is recognition...

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not just a symbol that excites them,
it's something that recognition would always

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effect changes and improvements
within their system,

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how they operate and give us
the Deaf Community more

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power to hold the government accountable.

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[DAWN]: We make progress when
a Bill has been proposed to

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 recognize ASL, LSQ and Indigenous Sign
Languages of Deaf people in Manitoba.

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Passing a bill is one thing but will there be
"teeth" in the bill" Will the Bill force things to

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happen? Or is it a declaration, a recognition?

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We need to participate in developing
it as a Bill with enforcement.

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[DAWN]: Accessible Media Inc. (AMI),
a Canadian nonprofit media company that

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provides accessible TV channels,
has announced that production has begun on

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Season 2 of “The Squeaky Wheel: Canada”.

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That TV show had been nominated for
the Canadian Screen Award. Deaf actress,

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host and digital creator Gaitrie Killings
appears in this satirical,

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half-hour TV news format as Arianna
poking fun at the ableist society

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people with disabilities face every day.

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Filming took place in Hamilton, Ontario.

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DeafDots asked Gaitrie how she became
one of the two lead anchors of

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"The Squeaky Wheel".

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Did you participate in auditions,
or pitch for them to incorporate

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Deaf perspectives or Deaf culture elements?

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How the process led me to get involved
in that show... wow was it something,

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a great experience.

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At first the producer, Michelle, whom
I have worked with for awhile ended up

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informing me of a TV show audition
and suggested I go and audition.

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I thought it was fine and was
interested to audition.

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She said it's a small role or character.

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I said it's fine, sure so I proceeded.

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I went to the audition.

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On that day, which I will
never forget, I was nervous.

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I read, reread and memorized the lines.

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I studied over and over.

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Then they called my name, I entered and didn't
realize there were about 12 people sitting

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side by side.

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I noticed a hearing actress sitting on the side.

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I looked at her and looked around.

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The director gestured to me to go ahead,
if I was ready to get up and act.

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Luckily, I had an ASL interpreter there.

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I signed my lines; it was for a small character.

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Then the director asked why I didn't go
for a bigger role and to try these lines.

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I was puzzled but agreed, it was fine by me.

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Then I signed lines for the role as a reporter.

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After completing, there was laughter.

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I kept quiet and looked around.

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The director thanked me and said
they would let me know.

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Then two days later I got an email
and was taken aback to read

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a congratulatory message for getting
a big main role! I was shocked,

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is that really happening?

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One of the primary reporters for that show?

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I was so excited that finally a Deaf
person was working side by side with

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a hearing person with a disability.

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Finally, I met the production team and
asked please to get a Deaf writer.

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Emphasis. They said fine.

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Representation in the Deaf Community
should involve a Deaf writer.

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It has worked out since and it
has been a good experience for me.

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[DAWN]: Andrew Morris, President &
Executive Producer at Hitsby Entertainment,

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a Toronto based media production company for
“The Squeaky Wheel” says he got the idea for

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the series after reading a post on the
experience of having a disability.

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It challenges common misconceptions,
highlights absurdity, criticizes imbalances,

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and does it all with humor.

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He said “When Gaitrie auditioned for
the role of news anchor Arianna Salara,

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the world changed for us almost instantly.

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I remember Michelle and I looking at each
other, and without saying anything,

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we just knew Gaitrie had to
be one of our Anchors.

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Her audition was so good,
it was almost like we didn’t have

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a choice but to change our plans.”

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That show is targeting audiences who have
disabilities, the purpose of the show is

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that disabled and Deaf are not on a lower level.

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Rather it puts positive spin with teasing,
humor and importance for a healthy process...

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laughter, making fun at typical society
looking down on us Deaf and disabled.

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We show them we are elevated
over them! We are proud.

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Like I am proud to be Deaf.

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My co-worker is proud to have a disability.

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What's up, what's up... that vibe.

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[DAWN]: Andrew says he
and his writers determine

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00:31:04.362 --> 00:31:09.801
whether the comedy sketch
showcases disability

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00:31:09.801 --> 00:31:12.170
in a positive way?

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00:31:12.170 --> 00:31:16.140
He says 100% of the
writers, performers,

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00:31:16.140 --> 00:31:21.746
producers and directors
on The Squeaky Wheel are

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00:31:21.746 --> 00:31:25.183
from Deaf and Disabled communities,

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00:31:25.183 --> 00:31:32.824
so every sketch comes from
an authentic lived experience.

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00:31:33.691 --> 00:31:39.397
In other words, 100% of the authorship and

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00:31:39.397 --> 00:31:44.802
 narrative is controlled by
Deaf and Disabled creatives.

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00:31:45.536 --> 00:31:53.912
The series is currently available
only in Canada on AMI’s services.

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What made you interested
in being involved in

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00:32:01.419 --> 00:32:05.990
"The Squeaky Wheel"
and what is the experience

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00:32:05.990 --> 00:32:11.930
like to work within a team of people
with different disabilities.

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00:32:13.131 --> 00:32:19.270
I decided I was interested and motivated to
get involved in acting on "The Squeaky Wheel"

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to represent Canada.

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Canada doesn't have many such kinds of
shows that involve Deaf people.

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00:32:29.747 --> 00:32:33.751
I felt it was really important to represent

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00:32:33.751 --> 00:32:37.155
the Deaf community and
understand my experiences and

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00:32:37.155 --> 00:32:44.495
my ethnicity, my upbringing and incorporating
all within myself to show my skills.

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00:32:44.963 --> 00:32:48.333
[DAWN]: How important is it?

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00:32:48.766 --> 00:32:51.602
It is important to have someone like me or

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00:32:51.602 --> 00:33:00.678
any Deaf actor; representation breaks down barriers
opening more doors for the Deaf community to

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00:33:00.678 --> 00:33:05.016
come and take the opportunities
out there and prove it.

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00:33:05.516 --> 00:33:11.022
[DAWN]: What have you gained from this show?

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00:33:11.489 --> 00:33:18.162
My experiences working there with different
disabled actors has touched me.

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00:33:18.162 --> 00:33:24.802
It's unique, their skills and investing
in "The Squeaky Wheel" show exceeds and

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00:33:24.802 --> 00:33:32.710
is amazing! Representing individuals
is impactful and earthshaking!

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"The Squeaky Wheel" is about empowerment,
laughter, trauma, getting rid of triggers,

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00:33:46.624 --> 00:33:54.332
and evolving to be more positive, laughing
and experiences that touch somebody who is

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Deaf and feels lonely alone.

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Looking up and spotting the show
and realizing they're not alone.

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Just like me! And laughing at it.

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It's inspiring to all.

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[DAWN]: A Deaf artist recently participated
in the Art Vancouver exhibition in April.

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DeafDots asked Robyn Mackie
our Reporter to find out more.

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[ROBYN]: Elika Keshavarz is a Deaf painter.

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00:34:40.845 --> 00:34:48.586
She was born Deaf in Tehran, Iran
during the Iran-Iraq war.

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00:34:48.586 --> 00:34:53.925
Her hearing parents first noticed
her hearing loss at six months old.

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00:34:55.927 --> 00:34:58.162
She started painting at
a very early age;

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00:34:59.097 --> 00:35:03.668
her family noticed her interest
and supported her.

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00:35:03.668 --> 00:35:07.839
Elika immigrated to Canada with
her husband two years ago.

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00:35:08.106 --> 00:35:14.045
DeafDots asked her about her
experiences and how accessible

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00:35:14.045 --> 00:35:17.548
the local art scene is.

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00:35:17.548 --> 00:35:22.253
How did you get involved
in the Art Vancouver exhibition?

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00:35:22.520 --> 00:35:28.893
I contacted Art Vancouver and
informed them I wanted to

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00:35:28.893 --> 00:35:31.262
show my artwork.

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00:35:31.462 --> 00:35:34.665
We discussed it and agreed
it was possible.

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00:35:34.999 --> 00:35:38.903
[ROBYN]: What impact did the exhibition
have on your professional career?

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00:35:40.471 --> 00:35:49.847
During the exhibition I met many new
people and made connections with them.

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00:35:49.847 --> 00:35:53.217
These contacts help me to know
about opportunities I have.

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00:35:53.618 --> 00:35:58.055
[ROBYN]: How would you describe your
painting style and the techniques you use?

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00:35:59.056 --> 00:36:10.168
The art style of my paintings
is realism and surrealism.

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00:36:11.302 --> 00:36:19.810
I work on canvas, paper,
and other surfaces using oils,

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00:36:19.810 --> 00:36:38.796
acrylics, pens, chalk,
pastels, and mixed media.

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00:36:39.163 --> 00:36:43.301
[ROBYN]: Do your paintings explore
themes related to the Deaf experience?

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00:36:43.701 --> 00:36:52.076
Yes, recently I made a painting
called “Touch of Silence.”

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00:36:57.148 --> 00:37:00.785
[ROBYN]: Did you receive your
professional art training here in Canada?

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00:37:01.219 --> 00:37:04.789
I didn't study here in Canada.

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00:37:05.189 --> 00:37:12.129
I graduated from Art University in Iran.

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00:37:12.563 --> 00:37:18.169
[ROBYN]: Did Art Vancouver provide any
accessibility accommodations for the event?

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There was no accessibility support.

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00:37:23.241 --> 00:37:32.850
Art Vancouver helped by providing
free tickets for Deaf attendees.

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00:37:33.251 --> 00:37:39.724
[ROBYN]: Did you experience accessibility issues
or barriers during your recent art exhibition?

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00:37:40.191 --> 00:37:47.498
Yes, there was a communication barrier,
I felt the need for an interpreter.

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00:37:47.498 --> 00:37:51.235
Next time, there should be an interpreter!

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00:37:51.669 --> 00:37:57.141
[ROBYN]: How would you rate Vancouver
galleries in terms of accessibility?

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00:37:57.642 --> 00:38:05.449
I’m giving it 1 point, it's not
good - very frustrating.

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00:38:11.822 --> 00:38:15.926
[ROBYN]: What specific support do you
feel is missing for Deaf artists?

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00:38:16.494 --> 00:38:26.337
I feel there's not enough support from
the government - grants, accessibility,

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00:38:26.337 --> 00:38:31.409
interpreters, not enough.

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00:38:31.976 --> 00:38:35.913
[ROBYN]: Are you connected with a local
Deaf arts community in Vancouver?

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00:38:36.447 --> 00:38:40.785
I don't know if there are local Deaf
arts communities, but I want to join

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00:38:40.785 --> 00:38:47.758
such an art group, to work together
and organize workshops.

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00:39:11.849 --> 00:39:18.055
[ROBYN]: Elika believes with increased
government support, a local Deaf arts

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00:39:18.055 --> 00:39:25.129
community could thrive and foster the
collaboration and workshops in Vancouver.

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00:39:25.930 --> 00:39:36.073
[DAWN]: It always inspires me to get to know
other Deaf artists and I can understand

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00:39:36.073 --> 00:39:42.113
the struggle that all Deaf artists experience.

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00:39:42.747 --> 00:39:44.915
Thanks Robyn.

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00:40:00.898 --> 00:40:10.708
[DAWN]: The Deaf community has lost a beloved
Deaf educator, leader and activist.

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00:40:10.708 --> 00:40:24.021
Dr. Edward Marshall Wick, passed away
last December 1 in Mooresville,

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00:40:24.021 --> 00:40:28.526
North Carolina in America.
He was 86 years old.

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00:40:31.962 --> 00:40:39.370
[DAWN]: Marshall was born
in Toronto, Ontario, in 1939.

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00:40:39.370 --> 00:40:45.810
He became Deaf as a child after
a serious car accident,

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00:40:45.810 --> 00:40:54.084
and his experiences led him into
a lifetime of advocacy and

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00:40:54.084 --> 00:40:58.589
education for Deaf communities
in both Canada and the United States.

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00:41:01.492 --> 00:41:08.899
[DAWN]: During the late 1960s and
early 1970s, he became president

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00:41:08.899 --> 00:41:12.903
and then served as unpaid
Executive Director of

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00:41:12.903 --> 00:41:18.809
the Canadian Association
of the Deaf (CAD).

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00:41:19.510 --> 00:41:26.717
One of his major accomplishments
was getting a federal grant to

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00:41:26.717 --> 00:41:34.124
open its first official home office
and hire paid staff.

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00:41:34.892 --> 00:41:42.766
He also advocated accessibility
initiatives, including the early

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00:41:42.766 --> 00:41:48.172
push for captioned television
programming for Deaf Canadians.

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00:41:51.542 --> 00:41:55.946
[DAWN]: In 1970 after his return to
the United States, Marshall

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00:41:55.946 --> 00:41:58.916
established the business
technologies program at

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00:41:58.916 --> 00:42:02.953
the National Technical Institute
for the Deaf (NTID).

335
00:42:03.654 --> 00:42:11.929
Then from 1974 to 2001, he taught
business administration at

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00:42:11.929 --> 00:42:17.835
Gallaudet University where
he also mentored Deaf Canadians.

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00:42:18.502 --> 00:42:26.710
He received his Juris Doctor law degree
from George Washington University.

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00:42:26.710 --> 00:42:31.382
Dr. Wick’s work bridged nations, ensuring

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00:42:31.382 --> 00:42:40.858
greater access to education, media,
and leadership opportunities for

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00:42:40.858 --> 00:42:44.228
Deaf individuals in Canada
and the U.S.

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00:42:44.662 --> 00:42:55.105
In 1977, he was honored with the Queen
Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal.

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00:42:58.008 --> 00:43:07.184
[DAWN]: He is survived by three
children, ten grandchildren,

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00:43:07.184 --> 00:43:09.887
and four great-grandchildren.

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00:43:10.354 --> 00:43:16.460
His wife, Linda, passed away
six years ago in December 2019.

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00:43:17.161 --> 00:43:28.739
Dr. Edward Marshall Wick leaves
a legacy in the Deaf community,

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00:43:28.739 --> 00:43:32.710
both in Canada and USA.

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00:43:33.877 --> 00:43:39.683
Thank you for watching this first
DeafDots program in 2026!

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00:43:40.084 --> 00:43:44.888
We need your news suggestions and ideas!

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00:43:44.888 --> 00:43:50.561
You can contact us through our
website www.DeafDots.ca or

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00:43:50.561 --> 00:43:54.231
email to news@deafdots.ca

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00:43:55.499 --> 00:44:07.978
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