This spring, the Nova Scotia government will embark on rejuvenating the Human Rights Commission, which has served the province for 60 years. The Justice Minister, Becky Druhan, noted the necessity for updates, as public feedback highlighted a pressing need for more efficient complaint resolutions. “The human rights commission has been in place for 60 years and things have changed significantly in that time” – Becky Druhan.
The commission’s role is pivotal, aimed at resolving discrimination claims and fostering inclusive communities through public education and policy development. Chairman Joseph Fraser expressed enthusiasm for the reforms, stating, “My team and I look forward to working closely with government to build a stronger, more responsive commission.” Recent statistics reveal that between April 2022 and March 2023, the commission received 1,765 inquiries but only resolved 98 complaints, often taking over two years.
Fraser noted public concerns regarding lengthy timelines for case resolution, and Druhan affirmed that these issues would be central to the upcoming discussions. “We have heard from members of the public that they are concerned about timelines and access to justice” – Joseph Fraser. The Minister promised collaborative efforts with communities and the commission to modernise processes, saying, “What I’m really excited about is that we are going to work collaboratively with the commission… to affect the kinds of updates and modernization that Nova Scotians need.”
The commission’s governance is deeply rooted in the struggles of African Nova Scotians, reflecting a commitment to understanding and preventing discrimination. Fraser remarked, “This approach is distinctly Nova Scotian, knitting African Nova Scotian and L’nu communities into the commission’s DNA.” He also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the commission’s service delivery while assuring that public assistance would remain uninterrupted during this enhancement period. Druhan could not specify how long the modernisation would take but emphasised a collaborative timeline to ensure public participation in the process, stating, “We will establish timelines in collaboration with the commission and community to make sure that we give ample opportunity for Nova Scotians to participate in this work.”
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is overhauling its processes after 60 years, aiming for more efficient complaint resolutions. The government is collaborating with the commission to modernise operations based on public feedback. Chairman Joseph Fraser and Justice Minister Becky Druhan have voiced strong intentions to improve timelines and ensure service continuity during this transformation.
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is set to transform its operations to better meet the needs of its citizens amidst growing calls for efficiency. With a focus on collaborative engagement and a rich legacy of advocacy, the commission aims to ensure inclusive rights protection in a changing society. Public input will be crucial in shaping the updates, reinforcing the shared commitment between government and communities to foster justice and equity.
Original Source: www.saltwire.com
