Madam Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to present a petition that was sponsored by a young woman, Emily Morasty, about service dogs in Manitoba.
We know service dogs that support people living with many neurodiverse conditions are becoming more common. These dogs are highly trained animals doing very specific jobs to assist their handlers with daily living. They assist their handlers in becoming contributing members of their communities.
Currently, there are no specific guidelines around public access for service dogs in Manitoba and several other provinces and territories. Nor are there any licensing requirements. There are also many misconceptions that result in limited access and harassment for service dogs and their handlers.
The petitioners therefore request that the Minister of Health consult with his provincial counterparts, service dog trainers and handlers regarding the need for guidelines on public access; to consult with provincial counterparts, service dog trainers and handlers on licensing requirements for service dogs; consult with provincial counterparts to develop guidelines for public access and licensing requirements for service dogs; and consult with provincial counterparts to enter these guidelines and licensing requirements into federal and provincial legislation.
I commend young Emily Morasty for her work and leadership in putting this petition forward.