Systemic

I was at the opening of the Peggy's Cove viewing deck Monday.  It's pretty nice for aesthetics and accessibility.  It doesn't have a lot to do with Peggy's Cove the fishing village of 65 years ago (I was there in 1957), but then again, Peggy's Cove is now more of a gift shop village and a destination for 700,000 tourists than a place where Cod comes ashore.

I take the deck as a promise.  The treatment of People with Disabilities is more complicated than what a ramp will solve, but it's a start.

We hear the word 'systemic' every day, but seldom in the context of disability.  I'm talking about 'systemic Ableism' in the sense of  thoughtlessness with unintended consequences.  

Hardly anyone knows what 'Ableism' is, let alone how to spot it in action.  Low expectations and paternalism are trademarks of Ableism, and misunderstanding is its best friend.  It has worked its way into every corner of Nova Scotia  It's seldom malicious, usually just clueless.  Sometimes it even masquerades as being helpful.

I just finished up my list of seven things to do right away:

1. Adopt the Disability Tax Credit as the single definition of 'Disability'
2. repeal any law or regulation that permits paying People with Disabilities less than minimum wage
3. Stop relying on 'restorative justice' when adjudicating Human Rights cases.  
4. Make the Disability Tax Credit Refundable
5. Rethink "Undue Hardship"
6. Standardize and require sex and rights education  for 'Social Enterprise' establishments and group home operations.
7. End Nondisclosure agreements in human rights settlements.

Today there was a beautiful, shining and outstanding example of unintended consequences.  The new premier, reported to be a stand-up, intelligent guy, had a brain hiccup and backed a plan to limit appearances before the Law Amendments Committee to in-person attendance.  Thanks to Gerry Post, and NDP Leader Gary Burrill, Mr. Houston was reminded that this idea is fundamentally discriminatory.  

We emphasize 'equity and inclusivity', yet we make it as inconvenient as possible for some people to participate in their democracy.

We went through this with Bill 59, the Accessibility Act, moving mountains to get the Directorate incorporated into the Justice Department.  Evidently, that information escaped the committee chair, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Brad Johns.

I'm going to give him a pass just this once, but he should familiarize himself with his department.  We'll be watching......

Simple decisions have complex consequences, and we rely on our elected representatives to seek good advice and make reasonable decisions..

In Peggys Cove: Job well done.  To Gerry Post: A well deserved salute!  To Mr. Houston:  Start at #1, proceed quickly!

Gus Reed