Government is not committing to the appointment of an advocate for persons with disabilities despite calls from the opposition and the representative lobby group to do so.

The Coalition for Persons with Disabilities says such an office would be greatly beneficial to its members, and PC MHA Helen Conway-Ottenheimer agrees. She says the Furey government promised it years ago, but has not followed through, Conway-Ottenheimer asked the minister, Lisa Dempster, about it in the House of Assembly this past week but says she could not get a clear answer.

“Nancy Reid of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities has stated that they represent a significant part of he population but the promise for a disability advocate has been denied,” said the critic.

Minister Dempster, instead, pointed out the positive moves government has made to make it easier for persons who have challenges.

“I go back to one of the things we did was put the parking lots for persons with disabilities closer to the building. The crowd on that side of the house had been in for ten years and had the healthiest people walking the least amount of time. I remember,” said Dempster.