[nfbwatlk] [nagdu] Nova Scotia Government Seeks Public Input on Use of ServiceAnimals

[Debby Phillips]

Hi, this is mainly for Mary Ellen, but I thought others might be 
interested.  Not sure that we, as U.S.  citizens can comment or 
not.     Debby

 ---- Original Message ------
From: Ginger Kutsch via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nagdu] Nova Scotia Government Seeks Public Input on Use 
of ServiceAnimals
Date sent: Sat, 6 Jun 2015 18:16:52 -0400

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-servi
ce-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.





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