Accessibility of Provincial Electoral Processes to Increase

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION--Accessibility of Provincial Electoral Processes to Increase

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission has facilitated an agreement that will make it easier for Deafened Nova Scotians to take an active part in provincial elections.

The commission held a signing ceremony today, March 13, for the Deafness Advocacy Association of Nova Scotia (DAANS) and the three main political parties to formalize a memorandum of understanding that will, among other things, help increase closed-captioned television advertising and translation services at public events.

"This is a groundbreaking agreement that will significantly improve opportunities for Deafened Nova Scotians to participate in the democratic process," said Jamie Muir, Minister Responsible for Administering the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. "This is a good example of how the commission and all government bodies and political parties can work together to identify and implement solid solutions to attain and maintain the rights of all Nova Scotians."

The agreement evolved from a complaint made by DAANS to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission concerning the lack of accessibility of provincial electoral processes to deaf and hard of hearing Nova Scotians. Rather than proceeding with a formal complaint, the commission, after researching the issue, invited DAANS and the political parties to enter into a process of dispute resolution.

"I am pleased that the commission was able to facilitate a memorandum of understanding between DAANS and the parties," said Mayann Francis, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. "This is clearly an example of the direction the commission is going in, putting more emphasis on resolving complaints in a more proactive and positive manner."

The memorandum includes items committing to increased close captioned or scripted televised advertisements during elections; more frequent use of audio-loops for election-related public meetings, forums and debates; funding for interpreter services and better use of written materials by door-to-door campaigners. The agreement also includes provisions for the establishment of TTY lines (a device to allow the use of the telephone by keyboard) in caucus offices and in provincial campaign headquarters; and support from the parties to amend the Elections Act or regulations to include funding for the accessibility needs of deaf, hard of hearing and late-deafened (individuals who lost their hearing after learning to speak) Nova Scotians.

Linda Lelievre, executive director of the Deafness Advocacy Association of Nova Scotia signed the agreement with Grant Galbraith, president, Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia; Marilyn More, president, New Democrat Party of Nova Scotia; and Mike Savage, president, Liberal Party of Nova Scotia.