Disability Rights in Nova Scotia: How They’re Protected and Enforced

DRC case (Nova Scotia) — in brief

· 2014 complaint: The Disability Rights Coalition (DRC) and three individuals alleged systemic discrimination against persons with disabilities (lack of community supports, unnecessary institutionalization, years-long waitlists).
· Appeal ruling (Oct 6, 2021): The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal found systemic discrimination and sent remedies back to the Board of Inquiry. Decision (PDF).
· Remedy (June 2023): The BOI approved an Interim Consent Order—a binding five-year plan to Mar 31, 2028 with independent monitoring, data disclosure, and BOI enforcement (up to further orders).

Overview. ↗ Open in New Tab
Progress and Monitoring Reports. ↗ Open in New Tab

Bottom line
· Nova Scotia uses an administrative/quasi-judicial track: Commission → investigation/mediation → BOI → (possible) court appeal.
· Systemic violations can lead to structural remedies (action plan, oversight, policy change), not just individual payouts.

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Webcast of Supreme Court of Nova Scotia Proceeding

Video from the courtroom of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court (Halifax) in case SH-514712 — Isai Estey, by his litigation guardian E. Anne MacRae, v. the Attorney General of Nova Scotia (His Majesty the King in Right of Nova Scotia). This is a class action on behalf of people with disabilities who, for years, were denied or underpaid benefits under the provincial ESIA/Disability Support system. The court has recently approved a settlement totaling approximately $32–34 million, with the proviso that these payments will not be treated as income for recipients. The Courts of Nova Scotia, case SH-514712

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