The Disability Advocate Act passes third reading in House of Assembly on Thursday
It’s something disabilities advocates across the province have been long calling for. Now, Bill 1, the Disability Advocate Act received its third reading in the House of Assembly on Thursday. The Bill establishes an independent Office of the Disability Advocate as a Statutory Office of the House of Assembly.
Consistent with the “Nothing About Us Without Us” principle, the Bill was informed by engagement with the Network of Disability Organizations. The Office of the Disability Advocate will provide individuals and families with a dedicated, independent advocate to identify, review and analyze issues related to the rights and interests of persons with disabilities, and may undertake investigations and make recommendations related to disability services and how to improve access to services.
The advocate will be appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council upon resolution of the House of Assembly and will be subject to the Independent Appointments Commission Act and follow a merit‑based, public recruitment process. Under the Bill, the advocate must either be a person with a disability, a parent, caregiver, or guardian of a person with a disability, or someone who has experience working with people with disabilities or with organizations that support them.