The government of Nova Scotia has appointed 22 residents to the Public Transportation Standard Development Committee to help develop the province’s next accessibility standard. The committee aims to enhance public transportation options for people with disabilities, marking the fifth standard area under the Accessibility Act, following built environment, education, employment, and goods and services.
Justice Minister Barbara Adams, who is also responsible for the Accessibility Act, emphasized the government’s commitment to equity and accessibility. “This is another significant milestone that will make it easier for people with disabilities to travel to where they need to go,” Adams said. She extended her gratitude to all applicants and congratulated the new committee members.
The committee’s task is to develop recommendations to improve transportation within and between communities for people with disabilities. Max Chauvin, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Board, highlighted the importance of accessible public transportation. “Access to public transportation is essential for obtaining employment, accessing food, education, and healthcare services, and for recreation and social interaction,” Chauvin said. “The Accessibility Advisory Board is pleased to begin developing recommendations for a public transportation standard and we look forward to working with members of the committee.”
The Accessibility Advisory Board reviewed applications and recommended members to the Minister of Justice. The province’s accessibility strategy, Access by Design 2030, outlines the government’s goals for achieving a more accessible province, ensuring equitable access to programs, services, information, and infrastructure for people with disabilities.
The next accessibility standard will address information and communication.
Public Transportation Standard Development Committee Members:
- David McCusker, East Hants (Chair)
- Ellen Johnson, Bridgewater (Vice-Chair)
- Tomi Adesina, Halifax
- Samantha Bambrick, Halifax
- Kim Bates Cusack, Bateston, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
- Tammie Bezanson, Forties, Municipality of the District of Chester
- Kalyn Breen, Halifax
- Lora Church, New Germany
- Megan Couture, Halifax
- Jessie Greenough, Musquodoboit Harbour
- Philip Herritt, Halifax
- Harkanwal (Harry) Kur, Glace Bay
- Josh Landry, Halifax
- Ken Long, Halifax
- Leanne N. MacNeil, Sydney
- Michelle Mahoney, Lucasville
- Jim McDermott, Halifax
- Max Nodwell, Sydney
- Anika Riopel, Halifax
- Ginny Sweet, Middle Sackville
- Leslie Taylor, Chester
- Nicholas Taylor, Cooks Brook, Halifax Regional Municipality
