Disability Pride Celebration in Bridgewater
“DRC spokesperson Vicky Levack to speak about the human rights case at Gay Pride event in Bridgewater July 9
Vicky Levack receives 2022 James MacGregor Stewart Award
On June 30th Vicky Levack was presented with the 2022 James MacGregor Stewart Award for her leadership as an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities. See the videos of the presentation and her comments here.
Disability Rights Board of Inquiry Continues
An independent human rights board of inquiry in the matter of Disability Rights Coalition of Nova Scotia, Beth MacLean, Sheila Livingstone and Joseph Delaney vs. the Province of Nova Scotia will continue Friday, April 22.
This hearing will be on preliminary matters in the newly constituted board of inquiry following a decision by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.
The board chair in this hearing is Donald Murray, who is independent of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 980 Parkland Dr., Halifax. The proceedings will be live-streamed on YouTube (link in story).
Supreme Court of Canada rejects Province’s application to appeal
On April 14th, 2022, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision on the Province’s application for permission to appeal the Court of Appeal’s decision. The top Court dismissed the Province’s request to appeal. In doing so, the Supreme Court awarded costs against the Province, payable to the DRC.
Saltwire: Houston commits to not fight disabled rights ruling (UPDATE)
“I just don’t think anybody should have to take their government to court to get their government to do the right thing,” Premier Tim Houston told a news conference on Thursday.
Big Win at the Court of Appeal!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2021: The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal (NSCA) released its ruling today which overturned a human rights board of inquiry decision and made a finding of systemic discrimination against the Province based on its treatment of persons with disabilities in need of supports and services to live in community.
Michael Goreman, CBC: Tim Houston says his government will not fight Court of Appeal ruling
“We’ve heard the message loud and clear.”
Beth MacLean, who won human rights case for people with disabilities, dies at age 50
CTV: Beth MacLean, a Nova Scotia woman with intellectual disabilities who won a landmark human rights case forcing the province to provide her with a home in the community, has died. photo: Robert Short/CBC
Road to Inclusion by 2023
In 2013, the current government committed to closing institutions and providing community-based living supports for all persons with disabilities within 10 years—by the end of 2023. It was all set out in the Roadmap—a plan to community inclusion drafted jointly by the Province and disability rights advocates, and endorsed by then Premier Stephen McNeil and his government.
Demonstration March for Roadmap 2023
Promises were made by Nova Scotia governments since 2013 that they would close institutions and provide community-based living supports for persons with disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder by 2023 but the reality is the progress has been too slow!
