HALIFAX – An advocacy group, the Disability Rights Coalition, is urging Nova Scotia’s premier, Tim Houston, to prioritize the development of a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at overhauling housing and care services for people with disabilities. This appeal comes in light of recent findings that highlight significant delays in implementing new programs and services designed to support individuals with disabilities, two years into a legally mandated initiative that seeks to transition these individuals out of institutions and off waiting lists.
According to an independent monitor's report released on Friday, the province has been struggling with effective collaboration among key departments necessary for successfully moving people from large facilities into community settings. The Coalition asserts that enhanced cooperation within provincial government entities is essential to facilitate this transition, particularly in establishing mental health support programs and rapid response teams that can address challenges occurring during the transition period.
The situation has been compounded by a 2021 Appeal Court decision in which the Disability Rights Coalition successfully argued that systemic discrimination exists against people with disabilities in Nova Scotia, particularly concerning their access to housing and community supports. Following this ruling, a human rights board of inquiry was established, which compiled a list of necessary reforms to remedy the deficiencies in the province’s services for people with disabilities. University of Victoria professor Michael Prince has been tasked with delivering annual progress reports on these reforms, shedding light on the province's ongoing shortcomings.
The implications of these systemic issues are particularly salient for individuals with disabilities, who often face substantial barriers to securing adequate housing and support services. With the pressure mounting for timely and effective action, the Disability Rights Coalition is calling for immediate attention from the provincial government to address these critical needs. The overarching goal is to create a supportive environment that enhances the quality of life for those living with disabilities, enabling them to thrive within their communities.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these calls for reform and whether a structured approach to overhauling disability services will emerge as a key policy priority for Premier Tim Houston's administration.
