HALIFAX — An independent monitor has reported that Nova Scotia is making some progress in its five-year plan to transition people with disabilities from institutions to community housing. However, Michael Prince, who authored the report, cautioned that the government is also regressing in certain areas of this initiative, which is tied to a legally binding human rights decision.

In his second annual report, Prince noted that while the province is “gaining traction” on 24 out of 90 legally required steps, it is “not yet advancing consistently and comprehensively toward the outcomes.” The five-year plan was established following a 2021 Appeal Court ruling that highlighted systemic discrimination against individuals with disabilities in accessing housing and support services.

Prince, a professor of social policy at the University of Victoria, was appointed in 2023 to monitor the province's progress. He indicated that the number of individuals living in institutions has decreased by 189, which is approximately three-quarters of the target set for this year. Additionally, the waitlist for disability support services has dropped by 293, surpassing the annual goal.

Despite these positive developments, the report also pointed out concerning trends. The number of individuals under 65 residing in nursing homes has increased, and there has been a notable rise in those placed in emergency, temporary housing. Prince described this situation as “unnecessary institutionalization,” which imposes disadvantages on affected individuals.

One area of particular concern is the “homeshare” program, which aims to connect individuals with disabilities to community members willing to provide support in their homes. Prince labeled the lack of progress in this program as “a case of inaction,” noting that none of the planned 240 homeshare placements have been established to date. He warned that this could jeopardize the successful transition of approximately 400 residents from large facilities to community housing.

The report also highlighted staffing challenges. Only 26 of the 65 expected staff members to provide intensive support were in place by the second year of the plan. Similarly, only half of the 50 community support staff anticipated were hired. However, Prince acknowledged improvements in staffing compared to the previous year and noted that a targeted recruitment campaign is expected to yield results by the spring of 2026.

The province has cited labor shortages in the healthcare sector as a significant factor contributing to these hiring delays. The report emphasized the importance of collaboration among various departments to support individuals transitioning from facilities to community living. Prince urged that the premier’s office and key cabinet ministers should take a more active role in ensuring the establishment of multidisciplinary support teams.

“Making the remedy a major policy priority requires sustained strategic involvement by key cabinet ministers and the premier’s office,” Prince stated in his report.