New Chair of Commission

Peter Christie, Minister responsible for the Disabled Persons Commission Act, today announced Ralph Ferguson of Pictou has been appointed Chair of the Commission for a two-year term.

"Mr. Ferguson has been a member of the Commission for the past two years and has been recommended by his peers," said Mr. Christie. "I look forward to working with him and the Commission on the issues facing persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia."

Mr. Ferguson, a wheelchair user, is chair of Let Abilities Work, a Pictou County employment service for persons with disabilities, and the Pictou County Community Partnership for People With Disabilities Society. He is also a member of the Nova Scotia Building Advisory Committee.

"There are many challenges facing persons with disabilities today, and the Commission is an excellent mechanism to foster improvements," said Mr. Ferguson. "I look forward to my term of office."

The Disabled Persons Commission has 12 members. Seven represent persons with disabilities and five represent provincial departments that play an important role in disability programs and services. Mr. Christie chairs a coordinating committee of ministers.

The commission was established in 1989 to provide for the participation of disabled persons in the development of pertinent government policies and programs.