JAMES BRIAN STEWART

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JAMES BRIAN STEWART

1951 - 2025

Brian Stewart, a pioneering advocate for disability rights whose work profoundly shaped Manitoba's approach to inclusion and accessibility, passed away peacefully at his Winnipeg home on June 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 74 years old.

Born in Winnipeg on February 25, 1951, to Alice and Ellard Stewart, Brian grew up in the Fort Garry neighbourhood along with his brother Barry. Diagnosed at birth with cerebral palsy, he faced early predictions of a limited future - predictions he defied every day of his life through determination, optimism, and an unwavering belief in the power of opportunity and inclusion.

Brian attended Grant Park High School, where he became one of the first students with a significant disability integrated into mainstream classes. Supported by his family, he developed a strong and independent spirit, graduating and subsequently attending Red River College, where he studied social work. Driven by personal experience and a passion for social justice, Brian dedicated his career to removing barriers for people with disabilities.

In 1974, Brian co-founded the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD), the province's first consumer-led, cross-disability advocacy organization. Alongside fellow advocates Jim Derksen, Henry Enns, Allan Simpson, and others, Brian fought tirelessly to achieve landmark advances in accessible transportation, housing, employment, and equal rights legislation. His early advocacy with MLPD significantly shaped Manitoba's accessibility policies and influenced national disability rights initiatives, contributing to Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1982.

Brian's commitment to advocacy reached a broader public through his prominent role in the 1981 documentary film The Disability Myth. The groundbreaking film challenged society's misconceptions of disabled individuals and sought to educate viewers about the rights and dignity of all people. In one of the film's most memorable moments, Brian articulated his powerful vision of equality, saying:

"Nobody knows what you can or can't do until you are given an opportunity to test out your own abilities. I need what everyone else needs - to be happy."

This profound statement encapsulated Brian's lifelong commitment to the principle that true equality begins with opportunity.

In the 1980s, Brian furthered his mission by becoming the Executive Director of Concept Special Business Advisors, a pioneering consultancy dedicated to creating employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurial skills among people with disabilities. In his leadership role at Concept, Brian directly influenced Manitoba's approach to inclusive employment practices. He designed innovative vocational training programs, advised numerous businesses, and personally mentored individuals seeking independence through meaningful employment.

Building on his achievements at Concept, Brian was instrumental in founding Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES) in 1989, unifying community employment initiatives to provide streamlined support to Manitobans with disabilities. REES continues today as a testament to Brian's visionary approach to inclusive employment.

Brian's immense contributions did not go unnoticed. He received numerous accolades over the years. At the age 36, he was honored with a City of Winnipeg Community Service Award for his work with the Cerebral Palsy Association along with many other honors, certificates of appreciation, awards from disability organizations, and the genuine thanks of the individuals whose lives he touched. In 1995, he was appointed to the federal working group that helped shape Canada's approach to independent living.

Brian's advocacy extended into public service roles, including his influential tenure as a citizen member of the Manitoba Civil Service Commission in the 2000s. There, he actively promoted employment equity, accessibility, and inclusive hiring within government institutions. Additionally, Brian co-chaired the Joint Community and Government Committee on Disability and Employment Issues, partnering directly with provincial leaders to foster equitable workplaces throughout Manitoba.

Nationally recognized for his expertise, Brian served on several federal working groups, including committees on Independent Living and Employment Equity. His deep understanding and lived experience informed federal disability policies, ensuring meaningful representation of Canadians with disabilities at every level.

Brian's compassion extended beyond disability advocacy. Together with his wife Anne, Brian opened their home as foster parents, welcoming and caring for several children over the years. Their home provided not just shelter but a genuine sense of love, stability, and belonging. Brian's role as a foster parent reflected his core belief in the dignity and potential of every individual. His children benefited from his warmth, guidance, and unwavering support, experiencing firsthand the difference compassion can make in shaping young lives.

To colleagues and friends, Brian was far more than a skilled advocate; he was an exceptional mentor whose kindness, humor, and unwavering optimism inspired everyone he met. His steady encouragement fostered a new generation of disability rights leaders, ensuring his values and vision will endure.

Brian was deeply devoted to his family. He shared 47 years of marriage with his beloved wife Anne, his constant partner and strongest supporter in all aspects of life. Together, they raised their eight children; David, Lucas, Nick, Erica, Noah, Eva, Jon, and Harley - in a home filled with compassion, humor, and unwavering support. Brian found immense pride in each of his children, who grew up inspired by their father's integrity, resilience, and warmth. One of his greatest joys was being "Pop Pop" to his five cherished granddaughters, whose presence filled his later years with laughter and love.

Brian Stewart leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, a Manitoba and Canada that are measurably more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable because of his tireless efforts. His profound impact will continue to be felt in the lives of those he touched and the policies he shaped.

A celebration of Brian Stewart's life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, at the Qualico Family Centre, 330 Assiniboine Park Drive, Winnipeg, MB. Friends, colleagues, and all who knew Brian are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to CelebrateBrian2025@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian's memory to the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities ( https://www.mlpd.mb.ca/donate/ ) or a charity dedicated to disability advocacy, to carry forward the vision to which Brian dedicated his life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 12, 2025