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August 21, 2007

Resolution


Joshua Slocum
Another determined Nova Scotian who set lofty goals.


Whereas

The rights of Persons with Disabilities are enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and freedoms:

15. (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.

There is no effective Persons with Disabilities legislation at the Federal, Provincial or Municipal level in Canada

Government fails to set an example respecting equity and access for Persons with Disabilities

A distinguished Canadian was unjustly deprived of a rare honor by shameful and egregious prejudice.

Namely, James McGregor Stewart, gold medalist in his class was not nominated by Dalhousie University for a Rhodes Scholarship in 1910 because he had had poliomyelitis as a child. The faculty senate resolution read:

i. Serious physical defects should be considered as rendering a candidate ineligible for the Rhodes Scholarship.

James McGregor Stewart was recognized to be the finest legal mind of his day

James McGregor Stewart later became Chancellor of Dalhousie

James McGregor Stewart wrote the incorporation documents for many of Canada’s largest corporations

James McGregor Stewart is recognized to be the “Thousandth Man” celebrated by Rudyard Kipling in the poem of that name.

James McGregor Stewart should be honored and remembered

Government is complicit in a history of discrimination

Lack of access and enforcement reflects poorly on Nova Scotia’s reputation

Self-determination for Persons with Disabilities is very desirable, but rarely possible

Persons with Disabilities often have further disadvantage in income, housing and health

Persons with disabilities are portrayed in a condescending and inaccurate way by mass media

Programs and legislation for Persons with Disabilities are conceived and written by Persons without Disabilities

We hereby establish the James McGregor Stewart Society

to study public policy relating to Persons with Disabilities

to educate Canadians about issues surrounding disability

to advocate for inclusion of and encourage participation by Persons with Disabilities in every part of civil society.

To recognize and honor achievements of Persons with Disabilities

Kevin Murphy
Warren Reed
Dan MacLellan

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