While campaigning for the June 2004 Federal election Stephen Fletcher was interviewed by a Winnipeg radio show. Finding himself rivaling the popular Mayor of Winnipeg, handpicked by the Prime Minister to go straight to Parliament, it seemed Fletcher was fighting an uphill battle. Against what seemed like insurmountable odds he was asked the defining question, “Why on earth would someone vote for you?” His response was simple, “Well, I’d rather be paralyzed from the neck down than the neck up.” Proving it’s what’s between the ears that counts, Fletcher went on to win a seat in Parliament and become Canada’s first quadriplegic MP

A New Beginning
He remembers his university career in two halves. In a split second Fletcher’s life changed forever when he hit a moose while driving in northern Manitoba. This January is eight years since the accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
him paralyzed from the neck down.

Studying Engineering at The University of Manitoba seemed inevitable for Fletcher. His father, grandfather and great grandfather were all engineers. Finding himself more drawn to English and History in high school he sought the challenge of studying Engineering. “If it was easy I’m not sure it would have been worthwhile. I figured if I could do engineering, I could do just about anything.” This observation has turned out to be an accurate assessment in more ways than one.

After spending a year in the hospital following his accident Fletcher’s first order of business once he was well enough was to get his MBA. Told he was unable to write the exam because of his physical disability and still unsure if he experienced brain damage from the accident Fletcher was determined to prove them wrong. “The psychologists wanted me to take neuropath tests for brain damage. I said, ‘I’ll write my GMAT test first and then write your neuropath test.’ I did so well on my GMAT they never asked me to do the neuropath test,” he explains.

But getting in was easy. Now a quadriplegic student Fletcher had to completely relearn how to learn. He wasn’t sure how he would write tests and study, let alone raise his hand in class. Looking back he still doesn’t know how he did it.

“For example, memorizing something by writing it down ten times. I didn’t have that option anymore. After the engineering degree I had a high efficiency in math skills but try doing math or calculus when you can’t write. The option is always to ask an aide to help carry you through. Healthcare aides have a lot of strengths but often math is not one of them. I found it very frustrating just trying to get my thoughts out on paper. It was very time consuming. I did what I needed to do and fortunately I had enough background to get me through those hurdles,” says Fletcher.

Fletcher also lends credit to his classmates and professors. He describes their attitude as “accommodating without pity,” which is exactly what he wanted.

Proving Them Wrong
President of his high school and later dabbling with the Engineering Society in university Fletcher always had a passing interest in politics. After his accident it was his personal experience that urged him to get further involved, “It occurred to me that we save people from accidents but we don’t provide the resources to allow those same people the opportunity to live meaningful and dedicated lives.”

Faced with the possibility of institutionalization Fletcher became his own advocate with the support of his family. He advocated the bureaucracy in Manitoba along with the federal and provincial politicians to at least allow him the opportunity to try and live within the community. He had mixed success but it was enough for him to stay out of the institutional system. “I have ongoing battles even to this day with my insurance company just to live a reasonable life. So that’s where my political activism began,” he adds.

Fletcher was then elected President of the University of Manitoba’s Student Union, an accomplishment he is proud of considering no one in his physical situation had done that before. He found himself confronted with the now familiar doubts of his ability to do the job.

“As I move up, I always hear those things. It seems to increase in intensity until those people are proven wrong. I was elected on a conservative agenda in a left of center environment, which is not uncommon in universities. What was interesting is my disability seemed to be an issue in the first election but in the second, it was more about what does Fletcher stand for?”

Finding himself bitten by the political bug Fletcher decided to run provincially for a nomination in the former premier of Manitoba’s riding, Tuxedo. “I was still President at the time. I went for the nomination and was not successful, which was a bit of a blow to my ego. I learned some skills and was able to apply it later on to become President of the PC party of Manitoba.” A political road that would eventually lead Fletcher to his current role as a Conservative Member of Parliament.

Speaking From Experience
But there are still obstacles to overcome. Nearly 10 years after his accident he still finds himself struggling with an insurance company who has not yet come to terms with the fact they have the first quadriplegic in parliament on their plan.

“I’m fighting the Manitoba Public Insurance and ensuring myself and other people who find themselves in my situation have the appropriate support because they do have an obligation to rehabilitate an individual to society. That’s why people get insurance.”

It seems the issue of healthcare not only affects Fletcher personally but politically as well. His number one campaign promise revolves around healthcare and improving its delivery and access. “I want to fulfill the commitments I made to my constituents. I want to represent to Ottawa and not the other way around. As long as I’m serving the people who sent me here, that will be my measure of success. I’ve had the unique opportunity to travel all across Canada and I’ve learned a lot of things we’re doing well and a lot of things we’re not. We need to raise the bar so when Canadians find themselves in the healthcare system their needs are met and they won’t be in the system for too long,” explains Fletcher of his goals.

Making a Difference
Fletcher will not let himself be pigeonholed. Aware he is a role model for people with disabilities he refuses to let this overshadow his true purpose. Upon his election there were many questions about how he would get to Ottawa, deliver speeches, deal with the papers and advocate. “The best way to prove people wrong is to just prove it. The people of Charleston elected me to deal with government accountability, taxation, education, military issues, quality of life (everyone wants a better life for their kids and grandkids). I have the unique position to fulfill my campaign commitments to my constituents, which is number one, and to also demonstrate anyone can contribute to society proving old stereotypes don’t prevail,” he says.

But the reality is awareness has increased in Parliament and in the media. Fletcher still finds himself amazed at how unaware the decision makers are surrounding disabilities, the challenges seniors face and what children with illness experience. He comments, “Unfortunately for me, I know all too well what these people deal with day in and day out. Hopefully that experience will at least make me a better parliamentarian, a better representative for my constituents and a very good health critic. Time will tell.”

In the end Fletcher is just trying to make a positive difference within society. “I have legislation on my desk that could have a major effect on Canadians. It’s really important I give a thoughtful recommendation to the part