A Nova Scotia mother is asking the province to reverse rule changes that exclude people living in tents from enhanced income assistance.
Jackie Lowe’s son, Bradley Lowe, began the legal case before his death in 2023. In August, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal ruled that people living in tents could qualify for enhanced support.
The province later changed its regulations, defining a home as a self-contained unit, lodging-house room or single-occupancy room that a person rents or owns. A September 3 order also required a person receiving a disability supplement to live in a home or receive board.
Human-rights lawyer Vince Calderhead has asked the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission to investigate the changes. The provincial government says the amendments clarify eligibility and allow the program to be administered consistently.
The opposition NDP has introduced proposed legislation, called Bradley’s Law, that would reverse the regulation change.
The province’s basic income-assistance rate is now $410 per month.
