Liberals’ lack of action on small options is unacceptable

Halifax -- The McNeil Liberals must do more to provide appropriate community housing options for persons living with disabilities.

A decision last week set damages for the three individuals whose successful human rights claim found that the province discriminated against them on account of mental and physical disability. The province will have to pay a total of $340,000 to Joey Delaney, Beth MacLean and the family of Sheila Livingstone.

“The Liberal government has a clear ruling in front of them. Hundreds of Nova Scotians need access to small options homes, and shouldn’t be forced to go through the human rights process as well,” said Susan Leblanc, NDP Community Services Spokesperson. “There was a roadmap created to make sure Nova Scotia wasn’t forcing people with disabilities to live in an institutional setting. We need to go back to that road map and make the investments that are needed.”

The advocacy group No More Warehousing is continuing to push for government funding for housing and 24/7 support for persons with severe physical disabilities.

“The government’s delays and lack of action mean people who need care are severely limited in their options,” said Jen Powley, the group’s founder. “It is absurd that a person can only get 24/7 support if they are in a nursing home. We need those beds for seniors and those with disabilities should have other, more appropriate options available."

No More Warehousing is currently running an online petition to get government funding for a co-housing project for disabled people in Halifax. There are currently 1,560 persons on the waitlist for community-based residential supports and services.

“The government’s delays on this project could mean it will fall through,” said Leblanc. “When the community works on a solution, the government should, at the very least, come to the table and give an answer. This project could help put a dent in the current need for housing for people with disabilities.”

The Roadmap for Transforming the Nova Scotia Services to Persons with Disabilities Program is a ten-year plan that would see all recommendations in place by 2023. With only three years left in that time period, it is unlikely those goals will be met.

Tuesday, December 10 is International Human Rights Day.

-30-