Nova Scotia releases latest accessibility plan

Law360 Canada (May 7, 2025, 1:32 PM EDT) -- Nova Scotia has released its latest multi-year accessibility plan as part of an ongoing bid to become more accessible to those with disabilities.

According to a May 6 news release, the new plan features “government-wide commitments across eight priority areas,” including increased accessibility in employment, service delivery, public transportation, and information and communication. 

“The province’s 2025-2028 Accessibility Plan sets ambitious goals … and provides an update on progress that’s been made to date,” states the release.

This latest plan is part of Nova Scotia’s efforts to become “accessible” by 2030.

Justice Minister Becky Druhan called the plan another step in building “a more accessible province for today and generations to come.”

“By continuing to innovate, collaborate and lead by example, we will achieve our goal for creating a more accessible Nova Scotia,” said Druhan in a statement.

The news release speaks of progress made through the previous 2022-2025 plan, including the adoption of the Build Environment Accessibility standard, which focuses on developing rules for greater access to outdoor and recreational spaces.

This new 2025-2028 plan is the third released under Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act.

The release goes on to state that 38 per cent of residents over age 15 report to be living with some kind of disability.

Nova Scotia Accessibility Advisory Board chair Max Chauvin said the government continues “to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to creating an accessible province and delivering services, policies and programs that meet the needs of Nova Scotians with disabilities.”

“The Accessibility Advisory Board will continue to provide advice and recommendations, based on lived experience, that will help advance this important work,” said Chauvin.  

According to a separate information page, the 2025-2028 plan’s eight priority areas are: building environment; education; employment; the delivery of goods and services; information and communications; accountability; building awareness and capacity; and public transportation and infrastructure.

The plan also includes “guiding principles” in support of “consistent cross-government implementation,” as well as “combined commitments” from all governmental departments.

Almost 60 per cent of disabled Nova Scotians have reported running into barriers in the province’s made-made environments.

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