Information: Community Partnerships

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission works with various partner organizations on initiatives and events throughout the year. These organizations share a goal of promoting and protecting human rights in the province.

Partners For Human Rights

Partners for Human Rights is a coalition of organizations that, in co-operation with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, is dedicated to working towards a respectful and inclusive community.

The committee teams with local community groups to organize events that promote racial harmony and awareness of human-rights issues in the community. Partners hosts an annual event for December 10, International Human Rights Day and also encourages recognition of March 21, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The name Partners for Human Rights was adopted in September 2007. The committee had operated for more than 15 years as Partners Against Racism.

Disabled Persons Commission

Disabled Persons Commission Logo"Championing the social and economic inclusion of citizens with disabilities"

The Disabled Persons Commission is an agency of the provincial government that advises policy makers on the needs of people with disabilities, and provides research and support services to the community on disability issues. The Commission’s vision is to be considered by the disability community, the provincial government and the general public as a leader in the areas of education/awareness, accessibility, research/policy analysis, and employability for Nova Scotians with disabilities.

The commission works for:

  • recognition that people with disabilities make valuable contributions to a healthy, diverse society
  • equal opportunity and universal access to the physical environment, services and information for people with disabilities
  • inclusion of people with disabilities as active decision-makers at all levels of the government, corporate and voluntary sectors, as well as over the personal services and supports they require

The Commission is comprised of 12 commissioners, the majority of whom are people with disabilities, their advocates or representatives. Seven commissioners are appointed from the community, and the remaining five are chosen from among government departments which deliver programs and services that directly affect people with disabilities. The commission also has four permanent staff members.

The Collaborative Partnership Network

Collaborative Partnership Network Logo"Specialized Employment Services across Nova Scotia for Persons with Disabilities"

The Collaborative Partnership Network (CPN) is a network of 10 specialized disability employment agencies across Nova Scotia dedicated to assisting individuals with barriers to the labour market find and maintain meaningful employment.

The CPN focuses on the preservation and recognition of the differing employment needs of persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia; while promoting the sharing of best practices and common approaches across the province.

The CPN organized in 2001 and incorporated in 2005 provides a unified voice on behalf of persons with disabilities to ensure their full access to the labour market.

The Collaborative Partnership Network (CPN) Agencies are known for delivery of specialized employment services from a cross disability perspective. Cross disability is a global approach to service delivery that does not segregate individuals into different disability categories. Clients may self identify as having any one or a combination of the following disabilities: cognitive, learning, physical, hearing, visual, developmental, progressive degenerative disabilities, mental health disabilities and medical or recurrent disabilities. Clients typically face multiple barriers to employment and may have multiple disabilities. The CPN believes employment and integration is possible for all persons with disabilities.