HALIFAX - A judge has approved one of the largest class-action settlements in Nova Scotia history, saying the agreement could see the province paying $32 million to as many as 2,600 residents with disabilities.

The award is aimed at compensating mentally and physically disabled residents who for years were wrongly denied social assistance benefits under the province's disabilities assistance program.

Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Darlene Jamieson said the settlement, which could rise to $34 million, was "fair, reasonable and in the best interests" of those involved.

In a statement of claim filed in October 2022, lawyers for 25-year-old plaintiff Isai Estey argued that the disabled man’s Charter rights had been violated by the province’s “cruel and inhumane” actions.

The claim says

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