Office of the Disability Advocate
Timeline
March 3, 2026
Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Act
On March 3rd, 2026, the Newfoundland and Labrador new Progressive Conservative government introduced a bill to create an advocate for people with disabilities. The Bill establishes an independent Office of the Disability Advocate as a Statutory Office of the House of Assembly. Nancy Reid, Executive Director of the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador has been advocating for such an announcement. Read full story at CBC news.
March 5, 2026
Premier Wakeham committed to establishing independent office of the disability advocate
The Disability Advocate Act began second reading in the House of Assembly. Read full news brief from Executive Council and Department of Social Supports and Well-Being here.
March 19 2026
Bill 1 – An Act Respecting the Disability Advocate Passes Third Reading
In attendance were advocates and members of the community of persons with disabilities, including Nancy Reid, Executive Director of COD-NL. Read full news brief from Executive Council and Department of Social Supports and Well-Being here.
August 2026
See job posting below with link to posting here
The Disability Advocate is an independent, non-partisan Officer of the House of Assembly responsible for identifying and examining individual and systemic issues affecting persons with disabilities.
Mandated under the Disability Advocate Act, the Advocate addresses complaints related to the provision of services and may conduct independent reviews and investigations into complex and sensitive matters when necessary. Additionally, the Advocate works collaboratively with organizations of and for persons with disabilities, service providers, government and community partners to advance informed recommendations on legislation, policies, programs, and services.
Operating under the administrative direction of the Speaker and the Clerk of the House of Assembly, and in accordance with Management Commission policies, the Advocate provides strategic and operational leadership for the Office, including planning, financial and human resource management, and oversight of research and information services. They also lead a team of investigative and advocacy professionals ensuring the development and delivery of public education and awareness programs, with a key responsibility to communicate issues and investigative findings to the public.
The successful candidate will be a results-oriented individual with a high degree of integrity and established credibility and will possess broad knowledge of legislation, programs, and policies affecting persons with disabilities, including accessibility, healthcare, education, employment, housing, transportation, income support, and issues related to discrimination, abuse, neglect, and protection. Experience in, or a comprehensive understanding of, investigative processes within a highly confidential environment is required.
The Advocate must bring sound judgment to the development of recommendations in complex and sensitive matters, supported by experience in advocacy, mediation, and resolving issues at both the individual and systemic levels. Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills are required, along with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications are typically gained through progressive leadership and senior management experience, supported by a university degree, preferably at the master’s level, in social work, psychology, disability studies, sociology, health sciences, or a related field. Experience working with persons with disabilities, including those with lived experience, as well as their families, representative organizations, and service providers, is required.
The Disability Advocate operates in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Employees and Statutory Officers of the House of Assembly. Legislation on referenced can be accessed at www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation
Search #: 2026-36
Closing Date: open until filled
Please submit your resume referencing the Search # in the subject line to the Independent Appointments Commission in one of the following ways:
Email: contact@iacnl.ca
Mail: The Metro Place, 261 Kenmount Road, P.O Box 8700, St. John’s NL A1B 4J6