N.S. advocates say province has failed to consult as it overhauls disability support

Advocates for Nova Scotians with disabilities say the provincial government has failed to consult with people affected by an overhaul of housing support and other services.

Victoria Levack, who lives with cerebral palsy, and Anne Louise Desrosier, who takes care of her son with Williams syndrome, both shared their concerns about the provincial plan after watching government officials speak at an all-party committee of the legislature.

Nova Scotia introduced its plan following a 2021 Appeal Court decision that identified systemic discrimination against people with disabilities seeking housing and supports in the community.

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The province has until 2028 to fulfil the recommendations of the plan, which is known as the remedy.

Senior officials with the Department of Community Services told committee members they should expect to see more results on the issue in the next two years.

The government is scheduled to release an annual progress report later this month.

Levack says progress has been made since 2023, but she remains concerned about gaps in housing and personal care support, and says the province needs to consult directly with Nova Scotians with disabilities to prevent people from falling through the cracks.