A5

By NICK MOORE
Canadaeast News Service

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The Opposition says the Liberals are trying to step back from legislation that would create barrier-free building codes for those with disabilities.

But Premier Shawn Graham said a committee has been struck to deal with the issue, and the government is waiting to hear the group's recommendations.

The Tory claim came a few hours after Graham gave an address at the premier's annual breakfast to mark Disability Awareness Week in the province. In his speech, Graham said the government has carried out many initiatives to benefit the disabled.

Graham said one example is the additional funding - $1 million - during this fiscal year to purchase and/or rent ventilation-related equipment for those who have long-term disabilities.

"This decision was especially significant, as it happened during a time of overall budget restraint," said Graham.

Later in the day during question period, Tory Leader David Alward said there's been no action on the issue of barrier-free building codes, questioning the Grits' commitment to the province's disabled.

"Two short weeks ago, when the minister of Public Safety announced the New Brunswick Building Code Act, it was very clear that barrier-free standards were not included in that act," said Alward. "It was very clear that it was not a priority of this government."

Graham did mention barrier-free building code standards during his breakfast address, but wouldn't give a timeline for when it might come to fruition, saying he didn't want to prejudge the work of the committee.

The premier said the ventilation assistance program was the No. 1 priority indicated to his government and that's why it was acted upon first.

Randy Dickinson, executive director of the Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons, said the delay in seeing many initiatives for the disabled community come into being isn't anything new, and that he's usually told to be patient.

"These are the same messages I heard 32 years ago and still hear today," said the longtime advocate for those with disabilities. "It's just not good enough. We need to pick up the pace."