Inclusion Nova Scotia Welcomes Progress on Human Rights Remedy While Calling for Continued Focus on Ordinary Lives and System-Wide Change

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Inclusion Nova Scotia welcomes the release of the third annual progress report on the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy and recognizes the significant work undertaken by government, people with disabilities, families, and community organizations over the past year.

The report demonstrates meaningful progress in key areas of the Remedy, including the signing of the backbone contract, the expansion of allied health supports, the continued rollout of individualized funding and local area coordination, and ongoing efforts to end institutional models of support.

"We are certainly encouraged by the progress reflected in this report," said Brian Foster, Executive Director of Inclusion Nova Scotia. "These are providing important building blocks in creating a more inclusive Nova Scotia and in advancing the rights of people with disabilities."
While acknowledging these advances, Inclusion Nova Scotia does note that significant work remains.
"Much of the focus of energy over the past three years has necessarily been on helping people leave institutions and preventing new admissions," said Foster. "That work is critically important. There remains, however, a challenge around helping people, families, and communities understand what the Remedy means for them. People want and need a clear vision of what an individual, person-directed, ordinary life can look like within the emerging system, and how  the new system can better provide the supports they want and need to reach their goals."

The organization continues to hear from individuals and families who are hopeful about the direction of reform, but uncertain about how new systems will work, how transitions will be managed, and what opportunities will be available as changes continue to unfold.
Particular attention is needed for people at key transition points, including individuals moving from legacy DSP services into new Local Area Coordination structures, youth leaving school who may not be connected to transition initiatives, some individuals involved with Adult Protection Services, and young people living in long-term care or other health-care environments who require intentional pathways into community life.

"We are starting to see the shape of a new system emerge, but there are still people at risk of falling between the cracks as they move between life stages and government systems in this transformational time," said Brian Foster. "Maintaining momentum, addressing service gaps, and communicating clearly about how challenges are being resolved will be critical to the success of implementation."

Inclusion Nova Scotia also notes that many people who are expected to benefit from the de-institutionalization commitments contained in the Remedy have not yet transitioned to community living. While recognizing the complexity of this work and the workforce challenges affecting implementation, the organization believes continued urgency and transparency are essential.
Board President Jane Gillis emphasized that the Human Rights Remedy was designed to address systemic discrimination across government and society, not solely within the Disability Support Program.

"The Remedy is about more than reforming one program," said Gillis. "It is about ensuring people with disabilities can live ordinary lives in their communities and enjoy the same rights, opportunities, and expectations as everyone else. Achieving that goal requires coordinated action across government departments and within our communities."

Inclusion Nova Scotia remains committed to working alongside people with intellectual disabilities, families, community partners, and government to support implementation of the Remedy, and working towards a Nova Scotia where the lives of people intellectual disabilities unfold no differently than their peers without disabilities.

"Families are looking for hope, clarity, and practical pathways forward," said Foster. "We are pleased to see progress in so many areas of The Remedy, and we are committed to helping ensure that people can see a clear path to ordinary lives in their communities. The progress is real, but the work is far from finished."