Health News
P.E.I. discriminates against mentally ill by denying disability benefits: panel
CHARLOTTETOWN – A human rights panel has found the Prince Edward Island government discriminates against the mentally ill by denying them disability benefits.
April 5, 2016 By The Canadian Press
The provincial government denied benefits to Laura King of Queen County under the Disability Supports Program.
Millie King filed the human rights complaint after being told that her daughter, who has paranoid schizophrenia, was ineligible for assistance.
Laura King suffers from delusions and social difficulties that make it difficult to work.
In a decision Monday, the panel awarded King $31,000 in damages and legal fees, and ordered the program to change its practices to avoid further discrimination. The agency says it is reviewing the decision.
King’s lawyers say that they intend to file a class action on behalf of other Islanders affected by the policy, which has been in place for 15 years.
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