News release

Employers Recognized for Commitment to Persons with Disabilities

Lieutenant-Governor

Four employers in the province have been recognized for their work in promoting and accommodating persons with disabilities in the workplace.

Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis presented the employers with the Lieutenant Governor's Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership Awards today, Dec. 2.

The awards were established to acknowledge and honour employers who have made significant contributions to persons with disabilities in the workplace.

Nominations were accepted from regions, with one provincial award for overall outstanding achievement. That was presented to Pete's in Halifax.

Marsha Nettle, human resources manager shared the honour with each of the employees. "It's through the commitment of our managers and teams that we are creating a workplace where persons with disabilities can be equally employed. To be recognized for this is truly an honour."

Regional winners were: Jus-Mar Investments Ltd. which owns and operates the McDonald's in Greenwood; the Digby area Walmart; OK Tires of St. Peter's. Pete's also received the regional award for the Halifax area employer demonstrating a commitment to persons with disabilities in the workforce.

"Businesses in Nova Scotia recognize the value in incorporating persons with disabilities into their operations. That is why we see increasing numbers re-enter the workforce each year," said Lt.-Gov. Francis.

"I want to acknowledge the important co-operation between the award recipients and their employees for overcoming the many barriers to employment the disabled encounter every day."

The awards coincide with the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Dec. 3, which was established to achieve their full and effective participation in society and was developed by the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.

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.