Province Takes Stock of Human Rights Remedy Progress, Looks Ahead

The Province is taking stock of progress on the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy as the work enters its fourth year, with a focus on what has been learned and the path forward to 2028 and beyond.

Tim Stainton and Eddie Bartnik, who authored the 2023 technical report that forms the basis of the remedy, have been engaged to bring a fresh perspective to the work three years into implementation. They will look at progress to date, lessons learned, unanticipated challenges and opportunities to support continued progress.

“We’ve come a long way over the past three years, and we’ve learned a lot along the way. This is a good time to build on that progress, take an honest look at what we’ve learned, and make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep moving in the right direction,” said Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “At the heart of the remedy is making sure people with disabilities have real choice in where and how they live and the supports they need to be part of their communities. We remain fully committed to that goal and to continuing this important work.”

The review will be informed by the experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities, families, advocates, service providers and others involved in delivering the remedy.

The government remains fully committed to the remedy, with implementation continuing while the review is underway. Recommendations are expected early next year.

Quotes:

“An important part of this work will be looking closely at the evidence and hearing from those involved in the remedy. We’re looking forward to the feedback, experience and ideas people bring forward through the review advisory committee and public submission process. That input will help inform our recommendations and the path forward.”
— Tim Stainton, co-author, Human Rights Review and Remedy for the Findings of Systemic Discrimination Against Nova Scotians with Disabilities

“There is strong work happening across the sector to implement the remedy, and we welcome the opportunity to help build on that progress. We’ll look at what has changed over the past three years, where there may be barriers slowing progress, and what can be done to keep things moving forward. Our focus is on recommendations that support delivery of the remedy outcomes by the end of Year 5 and help sustain that progress in the years ahead.”
— Eddie Bartnik, co-author, Human Rights Review and Remedy for the Findings of Systemic Discrimination Against Nova Scotians with Disabilities

Quick Facts:

• the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy is a five-year, legally binding agreement that guides the government’s work to transform the disability support system in Nova Scotia; it is called the remedy because it is what the government must do to remedy the discrimination against people with disabilities in Nova Scotia
• the ultimate legally required outcome is to end the systemic discrimination in how the Province supports people with disabilities by the end of March 2028
• Tim Stainton is professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia’s school of social work and emeritus director of the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship at the university
• Eddie Bartnik is an internationally recognized expert in disability, mental health and community services from Australia

Additional Resources:

Disability support transformation updates: https://www.dsp-transformation.ca/

More information on the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy and the link to the technical report are available at: https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/remedy

News releases related to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy: https://news.novascotia.ca/search/all?field_topics=339