Nova Scotia Judge Approves $32 Million Settlement for Disabilities

A significant development in Nova Scotia’s legal landscape has occurred as a judge has approved a landmark class-action settlement aimed at compensating residents with disabilities. The agreement, which totals $32 million, could benefit as many as 2,600 individuals who have faced systemic discrimination in accessing social assistance.

Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Darlene Jamieson described the settlement as “fair, reasonable and in the best interests” of those affected. The agreement may increase to $34 million, reflecting the serious nature of the claims brought forward. This settlement addresses claims that the provincial government wrongfully denied essential benefits to mentally and physically disabled residents under its disabilities assistance program.

The legal action was initiated by Isai Estey, a 25-year-old plaintiff, who argued that his Charter rights were violated due to the province’s “cruel and inhumane” treatment of individuals with disabilities. The statement of claim, filed in October 2022, highlighted that since 1998, the province has had a statutory obligation to provide social assistance to those in need, but this duty was frequently overlooked for people with disabilities.

The legal team representing Estey contended that public funds allocated for disability assistance were subjected to an arbitrary cap, treating them as discretionary. As a result, many applicants found themselves on lengthy wait-lists, unable to secure the support they needed. This lack of financial assistance left numerous individuals with no option but to remain in large institutional facilities, nursing homes, or hospitals, often far removed from their families and communities.

In a related development, the Disability Rights Coalition achieved a significant victory in 2021 when the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal ruled that systemic discrimination against people with disabilities seeking housing and community support was evident. While that ruling provided compensation to direct claimants, it did not extend to others who suffered from similar discrimination, highlighting the need for a broader resolution.

The recent approval of this settlement not only acknowledges the past injustices faced by residents with disabilities but also sets a precedent for future actions aimed at rectifying systemic inequities in social assistance programs. This ruling marks a pivotal moment for advocacy groups and individuals alike, as it underscores the importance of addressing historical grievances related to disability rights in Nova Scotia.

The Canadian Press first reported this story on November 7, 2025, shedding light on the ongoing challenges faced by those with disabilities in accessing essential support and resources.