[nagdu] Nova Scotia Government Seeks Public Input on Use of Service Animals

[Ginger Kutsch]

Nova Scotia Government Seeks Public Input on Use of Service Animals 

Department of Justice

June 5, 2015 8:40 AM

URL:
http://metronews.ca/news/halifax/1388506/n-s-seeks-input-on-service-animal-r
ules/

 

The Department of Justice is seeking feedback on the definition and
protection of rights of service animal users. It will be used to shape new
legislation governing service animals.

 

"With the increasing use of service animals in Nova Scotia, we must ensure
we are protecting the rights of people who rely on service animals," said
Justice Minister and Attorney General, Lena Metlege Diab. "There is
confusion and we need to clarify what qualifies as a service animal, and the
training and identification expectations that would be required to receive
legal protection."

 

Anne MacRae, executive director of the Disabled Persons Commission, said she
agrees the rights of people who use service animals must be protected. 

 

"We are encouraged by the steps being taken to help define these rights,"
she said.

 

The use of guide dogs and other service animals are increasing as they
provide critical support for Nova Scotians who are blind or visually
impaired, and for people with other disabilities. This could include people
who have autism, mobility issues, suffer from post-traumatic stress
disorder, have seizures, who experience dissociative identity disorder, or
who have other illnesses or disabilities that can be helped by a service
animal. 

 

"I am pleased that government is seeking clarity on the use of service
animals," said Charlie MacDonald, member of the minister's advisory panel on
accessibility legislation and guide dog user. "It's very important to hear
from the community; they'll help shape the legislation and eventually help
educate others on what the rights of service animal users are."

 

Three consultations will be held in an open-house format:

 

-- June 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Sydney Justice Centre, in the
multi-purpose room on the lower level, 136 Charlotte St. 

-- June 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Human Rights Commission, in the
resolution conference room, 6th floor, 1601 Lower Water St., Halifax

-- June 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Yarmouth Justice Centre, in the
conference room, 164 Main St. (French interpretation services available at
this session)

 

Those planning to attend and require accommodation for a disability, can let
organizers know by calling 902-424-7729.

 

A discussion paper and an online survey are now available for input on the
definition of service animals, training standards, identification standards
and penalties for breaking laws that protect service animal users.

 

Nova Scotians can access the discussion paper and provide feedback in many
ways:

 

-- feedback can be submitted online in English and French at
http://novascotia.ca/just/serviceanimalconsultation.asp

-- the discussion paper will be available in English, French, ASL, Braille
and large font 

-- comments can be emailed to serviceanimals at novascotia.ca or mailed to:
Service Animals Consultation, Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Policy,
Planning and Research, P.O. Box 7, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2L6

-- use TTY through the Disabled Persons Commission at 902-424-2667, or toll
free within Nova Scotia at 1-877-996-9954

-- phone 902-424-7729 for more information or to ask questions

 

Comments will be accepted until July 31.