Nova Scotia’s $32M Settlement Addresses Decades of Disability Discrimination in Housing
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission has secured a significant victory for residents with disabilities. A recent court ruling and subsequent settlement address systemic discrimination in housing and community support, potentially benefiting thousands and totaling up to $34 million.
In 2021, the Commission won a landmark decision at the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, identifying systemic discrimination against people with disabilities seeking housing and supports in the community. The initial ruling provided compensation for those directly involved, but the current settlement extends this to others affected. Without financial support, many applicants were forced to remain in large institutional facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, or small-options homes far from their families.
The settlement, approved by Justice Darlene Jamieson, totals $32 million. It could benefit up to 2,600 residents with disabilities who were wrongly denied social assistance benefits due to an arbitrary cap on public funds. The claim argued that the province violated the Charter rights of disabled residents by not providing social assistance as required by law since 1998.
The settlement aims to compensate disabled residents who were denied benefits under the province's disabilities assistance program for years. Justice Jamieson described the settlement as 'fair, reasonable and in the best interests' of those involved. This ruling marks a significant step towards rectifying past injustices and improving the lives of Nova Scotians with disabilities.
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