If you don't see the timeline below, click the title to visit the website.
More than four years ago, I and four other wheelchair users embarked on a campaign to be treated equally in the enforcement of food safety regulations. We were ignored, dismissed and treated as nuisances. We complained to the Human Rights Commission. Again, we were ignored, dismissed and treated as nuisances. We took them to court. We won. We had a Board of Inquiry, but the Human Rights Commission was no help - they chose to adopt a neutral stance - 'watching brief' they called it. We were belittled by the Restaurant Association. Nova Scotia Environment opposed us and and treated us to bizarre interpretations of common English words like 'convenient'.
Four months ago the Board of Inquiry ruled in our favour. The Minister of Justice promised to fast-track a solution. Even though we had suggested a solution in the summer of 2016, we have never been contacted. Nothing has happened. Nothing.
We asked the Human Rights Commission to remind government of the decision. We pointed out that the Human Rights Commission can impose penalties. We did not receive a response.
It's becoming clear that nothing will happen.
The government doesn't care that some restaurants are health hazards. They are unwilling to enforce their own regulations. The Human Rights Commission ruling is being ignored. The Human Rights Commission isn't interested in Human Rights. The Food Safety Division of Environment Nova Scotia isn't interested in food safety. The Restaurant Association is contemptuous of us and unfamiliar with basic hygiene. The Chief Medical Officer of Health is silent. Four months later. Nothing.
Here is a a complete timeline with links to important documents.
PS: Be sure to read Paul Vienneau's excellent article.
No comments:
Post a Comment