There’s an advocate for several segments of society: one for consumers, one for children and youth, and one for seniors. But no such person is in a similar position looking out for the interests of persons with disabilities.

The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador has been lobbying for some time for such a position to be created, but there was nothing in this year’s budget.

Executive Director Nancy Reid says persons with disabilities represent 30 per cent of the population of the province. She says that 30 per cent has a number of systemic issues which don’t get addressed because community organizations just don’t have the capacity to do all the work required.

Reid says the advocate position has been promised for quite some time, and direction has been given by the premier to the minister in the mandate letter, but there just never seems to be any action.