Rising Disability Rates in New Brunswick: A Call for Change

In New Brunswick, one of Canada’s ten provinces, a staggering 35.3% of inhabitants live with a disability. This alarming statistic places the province with the second-highest disability rate in the country, soaring above the national average of 27%. A rapid increase of 8.6 percentage points from 2017 to 2022 in disability rates, the fastest growth in Canada, is reshaping the landscape of this maritime province.

A Call to Action by Advocacy Groups

Haley Flaro, executive director of Ability New Brunswick, an organization advocating for citizens with mobility disabilities, has voiced concerns about the impact of this uptick on disability services and policies. The organization reports an unsettling wait time for pain management specialists that ranges from two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half years. Flaro illuminates the multi-faceted issues at play, including an aging population, a surge in pain disability diagnoses, and the intricate relationship between mobility disabilities and mental health issues.

Urgent Need for Policy Changes

Flaro’s remarks underscore the urgent need for policy changes tailored to address the escalating disability rates and evolving trends. It’s a call to arms that resonates at the heart of the issue — the necessity for a comprehensive and robust system to support those living with disabilities.

Government Response

In response to the dire situation, the provincial government has indicated that a framework for accessibility legislation is currently under public review. Minister Arlene Dunn has assured that this critical review will inform the introduction of a legislative framework during the upcoming spring legislative session. This impending legislation, which promises to enhance disability service delivery, employment regulations, and health services, is seen as a pivotal step towards improving the quality of life for those living with disabilities. It also aims to expand opportunities in adapted sport and recreation, fostering a more inclusive society.