Nova Scotia’s accessibility legislation hits accessibility hiccup

Nova Scotia’s new accessibility legislation is hitting its first road bump, as a local advocate says the process to review it isn’t accessible.

Paul Vienneau says he was given less than one week notice to appear at the law amendments committee to speak to legislation that is supposed to begin the process of making Nova Scotia more accessible. As someone who uses a wheelchair, Vienneau says his primary method of getting around town isn’t available.

The city’s Access-A-Bus service requires up to seven days notice in order to book a ride, according to the website. But Vienneau says sometimes he needs to book two weeks in advance, meaning it’s unlikely he can get a ride to the Monday committee meeting after booking an appointment to speak, four days prior — on Friday.

“It seems like a great way to discourage people complaining or airing their concerns,” Vienneau said. “I’m going to address a piece of legislation that apparently will help me be able to live a fuller life and I still have no idea how I’m going to get there.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It seems like a great way to discourage people complaining or airing their concerns," Vienneau said. "I'm going to address a piece of legislation that apparently will help me be able to live a fuller life and I still have no idea how I'm going to get there."

Last week Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard introduced the Act Respecting Accessibility in Nova Scotia, which she said would provide a framework to eventually set accessibility standards for communities and businesses.

Vienneau said he planned to call the personal numbers of cab drivers who drive accessible cabs to see who is working Monday morning and hopefully secure a ride.

He said he knows other people who are in a similar position to him.

But he said he didn’t want the committee hearing to be delayed. “This will give us the opportunity to formally make this complaint because they have to learn how to deal with us,” he said. “That means include us in the process.”

The law amendments committee starts Monday at 10 a.m. It’s expected to last several hours as the committee reviews five separate bills.