Committee Adviser For The Disabled Resigns

Prince Edward Island, Canada (AHN) - The government's disability adviser Stephen Pate resigned after feeling that his input was not appreciated.

Stephen Pate quit his post on the Disability Services Review Committee two months ago but just aired his concern in public recently.

The committee was formed to gratify Premier Robert Ghiz request during his election campaign by conducting a full review of disability support services that included the Disability Support Program.

"When they take away your ability to act, and then take away your right to speak, you have nothing," said Pate during his interview with CBC news.

The longtime advocate to the disabled, who uses a wheelchair, said his decision was "heartbreaking".

He said he was initially very excited to be a part of the reform process, but believes that he will get better results while acting as a critic.

"I think that some people in the government wanted me to be there to help effect change and I think other people wanted to shut me up," said Pate.

Pate particularly said the advisory committee should have included senior representatives, who are about 9,000 of the approximately 22,000 disabled residents, to better represent the community of people with disabilities.

Pate was regularly at the provincial legislature before the 2007 election to lobby against the ruling Conservative government's policies.

He was pushing for reforms to the disability support program by following the Tory candidates.

After winning the election, the new Liberal government hired him to the committee.