The provincial government wants Manitobans with intellectual disabilities to live as independently as they can and has created a new task force to ensure that happens.

Families Minister Heather Stefanson announced the establishment of a task force charged with reviewing policies and practices affecting adults with intellectual disabilities as outlined under Manitoba's Vulnerable Persons Act.

Richard Neufeld, general manager for Blue Sky Opportunities in Altona, says it appears the province wants to ensure that these Manitobans are allowed as much independence as possible to make their own decisions on issues ranging from personal finances to health and wellness. He notes that has the potential to reduce their reliance on a substitute decision-maker or public guardian.

"We've always strived to have people gain the greatest degree of independence so that the decisions being made are their decisions because they have the right to make those. There are times, I believe, when the boundaries are overstepped by a substitute decision-maker or public trustee."

Neufeld says the task force is made up of a well-rounded group of people with strong credentials in this field. The group will be chaired by Dale Kendel, former executive director of Community Living Manitoba, who has worked in the disabilities sector for well over three decades, according to Neufeld.

"They are keying in on some very important issues here and I'm glad to hear the province is taking it seriously."

Minister Stefanson has also appointed Jessica Croy as her special advisor on issues affecting Manitobans with disabilities. Croy, who has an intellectual disability, is president of the Selkirk chapter of People First, and first vice-president of People First Manitoba, an organization that advocates for people with intellectual disabilities.