The province's first-year efforts have been 'slower and more uneven' than the government’s plan
The independent monitor has released the first report on implementing a landmark human rights remedy concerning housing for people with disabilities in Nova Scotia.
The report criticized the province’s slow and uneven progress in implementing a five-year human rights remedy for housing people with disabilities, highlighting significant delays and a lack of supporting documentation.
The report is authored by Michael Prince, a professor at the University of Victoria and expert in disability issues. The report follows the interim consent order and settlement agreement in the case of Beth MacLean, Sheila Livingstone, Joseph Delaney, and the Disability Rights Coalition of Nova Scotia vs. Province of Nova Scotia. This case addressed systemic discrimination resulting from the institutionalization of individuals with disabilities and established a five-year plan to transition these individuals into community housing.
Appointed as the independent monitor, Prince's role is to provide an unbiased assessment and public reporting on the province’s progress in meeting the remedy's terms. His contract with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will continue until the province fully implements the agreed-upon measures.
Prince's 52-page "Getting on Track" report presented a critical view of the province's first-year efforts. According to Prince, Nova Scotia's progress has been "slower and more uneven" than the government’s plan outlined. He categorized the province's achievements as "slight progress," with nearly half of the required steps described as "minimal" or "marginal in result."
Prince noted significant delays in several key areas, including staff recruitment and training. He also highlighted the province's failure to establish a home-sharing program to provide community support. He cautioned that this shortfall could hinder the creation of 500 homes by the June 2027 deadline, raising concerns about housing for approximately 400 residents currently in institutions.
In addition to these operational delays, Prince criticized the province's reporting style, noting a lack of supporting documentation for their progress claims. He urged the province to explain how it plans to meet its obligations and expedite the necessary reforms within the remaining timeframe.
He recommended that Nova Scotia produce detailed interim progress reports annually to demonstrate compliance and explain any deficiencies, particularly due to first-year delays. Prince advised developing indicators to monitor increased participation and collaboration among partners, exploring legislative options for supported decision-making arrangements, and providing clear explanations on achieving key deinstitutionalization requirements.
The report also stressed the importance of documenting steps to advance the home share program, ensuring transparency and accountability in progress reports, consulting the Disability Rights Coalition on compliance issues, and reviewing Year 2 requirements to confirm shared understanding and expectations.
