News release

Nova Scotians Can Help Shape Modern Human Rights Commission

Justice

Nova Scotians are invited to help shape the future of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission through a survey launched today, September 19.

The Province is strengthening protections against discrimination and modernizing the way the commission protects people’s rights by making it more responsive, accessible, inclusive and reflective of lived experiences.

“Nova Scotians have called for change in how human rights complaints are handled. We are working to create a more welcoming and effective system that supports people when they need it most,” said Attorney General and Minister of Justice Becky Druhan. “I encourage Nova Scotians to lend their voices to this important work by sharing their experiences and ideas.”

The survey allows Nova Scotians to share input on how the commission’s processes could be updated to better serve the public.

It is open until October 10 at: https://www.narrativeresearchsurveys.ca/S2/87/0923928/

Created in 1967, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission works to eliminate barriers and prevent discrimination through education, training, public engagement, policy development and dispute resolution. Modernization will help ensure the commission continues to play this vital role in a way that reflects the evolving needs and expectations of Nova Scotians.

Quotes:

“Modernizing the human rights commission will help us better meet the needs of Nova Scotians today and into the future. This is about building a fair, transparent and responsive system that resolves complaints effectively while also working proactively to prevent discrimination. We’re excited about the opportunities this brings to better serve and protect the people of Nova Scotia.”
— Joseph Fraser, CEO, Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission

Quick Facts:

  • the last change to the Human Rights Act was made in 2016 related to Section 21, affirming the act as binding the Crown
  • the commission’s mandate includes resolving individual and systemic discrimination complaints and advancing human rights through education and public engagement

Additional Resources:

Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission: https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/

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