N.S. Court of Appeal says province can’t deny people in tents enhanced income support

He died in December 2023, but his family kept fighting his case, and the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia ultimately became an intervener in the proceeding.

Emma Halpern, the non-profit’s executive director, said Wednesday’s ruling is a win that recognizes the humanity of the most vulnerable people in society.

“I feel like this is a win for all Canadians in that I really, deeply believe that we are only as healthy as our most vulnerable people,” Halpern said in an interview. “I hope that we will see some ripple effects into other provinces.”

Halpern said the society intervened to argue that women faced particular challenges when living in tents. Without a locking door, they are more vulnerable to physical and sexual violence.

She said they are more likely to work as caregivers, where they are required to maintain their physical appearance, Halpern said.

She said she was particularly pleased to see the court reject the province’s argument that offering more money to women at risk of violence might incentivize them to live in a tent, rather than go to a shelter.

“I’ve never heard of anyone deciding they want to live permanently in a tent so they can get an extra couple hundred bucks a month,” Halpern said. “The reason women are ending up in tents is because there are no beds in transition houses or women’s shelters.”

“You can get back on your feet so much quicker if you’ve not lost your funding and your housing at the same time,” she added.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 7, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

N.S. Court of Appeal says province can’t deny people in tents enhanced income support

What's Trending