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

The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has ruled that the provincial government cannot deny enhanced income support to unhoused individuals living in tents. The court determined that tents legally qualify as accommodations, invalidating the province's previous policy of withholding additional financial assistance from those residing in such structures.

The decision carries implications for how income assistance is administered to the unhoused population. Advocates have noted that this ruling acknowledges the specific vulnerabilities faced by those living in tents, including the lack of available shelter beds and the increased risks of violence.