N.S. premier says he won’t appeal ruling on discrimination against disabled people

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia will not appeal a recent court decision that found there was discrimination against people with disabilities who had sought services and housing in the community.

HALIFAXtoday\ Canadian Press

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HALIFAX — Nova Scotia will not appeal a recent court decision that found there was discrimination against people with disabilities who had sought services and housing in the community.

Premier Tim Houston said today he doesn’t believe anyone should have to take government to court to make it “do the right thing.”

Houston says his government has heard “loud and clear” the message issued by the Court of Appeal, adding that he pledges to work with the disabled community to ensure they have the proper support.

He says the province will work as quickly as it can to provide more housing options for people with disabilities.

In a landmark decision issued Wednesday, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal said the provincial government’s failure to offer people with disabilities “meaningful” access to housing and care is demonstrated by long wait-lists.

The group that launched the appeal, the Disability Rights Coalition, urged the government Wednesday to respect the equality of people living with disabilities.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2021.

The Canadian Press