News release

Lieutenant Governor Recognizes Employer and Persons with Disabilities Partnerships

Lieutenant-Governor

A list of regional award recipients follows this release.


Employers around the province were recognized for their commitment to accommodating Persons with Disabilities in the workforce today, Dec. 3.

Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis presented the inaugural Lieutenant Governor's Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership Awards at the second annual Symposium on Inclusive Employment and Education luncheon, held in honour of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The awards recognize Nova Scotia businesses that have made outstanding commitments to accommodate persons with disabilities in the Nova Scotia labour market.

"I am pleased to be able to acknowledge the excellent work of employers across the province who are making the labour market more accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities," said Lt.-Gov Mayann Francis. "I applaud the recipients. They are exemplary examples of inclusive workplaces and a model for Nova Scotia employers."

Nominations were accepted from regional groupings, with the possibility of one Business Award and one Self Employment Award per group. Two provincial awards were also presented for overall outstanding achievement.

Acadian Seaplants Limited, Cornwallis division, received the provincial Business Award for recognizing the value of employing persons with disabilities and its commitment to youth, middle-aged persons with disabilities and the community.

Red Arrow Digital College received the provincial Self Employment Award. Founder Derek Lewis has used his experience with disability and will to succeed to help other persons with disabilities succeed in post-secondary education.

Both companies also won regional awards.

The awards are administered by the Collaborative Partnership Network. The organization works to create and maintain lasting employment partnerships between persons with disabilities and Nova Scotia employers.


The following is a list or regional award recipients:

  • Sydney/New Glascow Region: Strait Area Transit, Business Award
  • Amherst/Halifax Region: Truestone Cleaning and Restoration Inc., Business Award; Red Arrow Digital College, Self Employment Award
  • Kentville/Windsor Region: RBC Kentville, Business Award; Glady's Ribs, Self Employment Award
  • Bridgewater/Yarmouth/Digby: Acadian Seaplants Limited, Business Award; Joel Deveau CD Duplication, Self Employment Catagory