NB MP Andy Scott, FEAT-BC, Medicare for Autism NOW!'s Jean Lewis

National Autism Rally, Halifax, May 26 2007,photo by Harold L Doherty

I did not realize until this morning that the late Andy Scott has been honored,  justly honored, for his long time contributions and support to disability issues by the creation of an award in his name to be awarded to persons or organizations who have made contributions to disability issues in NB. Anyone who wishes to nominate anyone for the award can do so at The Honorable Andy Scott Award page.

One of the disability issues that Andy Scott worked on was autism. The picture above shows Andy with Jean Lewis on  at the FEAT-BC, Medicare for Autism NOW!'s National Autism Rally, Halifax, May 26 2007. Andy advocated in Parliament for a real National Autism Strategy with other strong advocates Shawn Murphy MP from  PEI and Peter Stoffer MP from Nova Scotia.

The Honorable Andy Scott Award

Robert Andrew "Andy" Keith Scott (March 16, 1955 – June 24, 2013) was a Member of Parliament representing Fredericton, New Brunswick from 1993 to 2007.  Over the course of his career in Federal politics, Scott served as Solicitor General; Minister of State for Infrastructure and Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. He did not seek federal reelection in 2008 and assumed a research post in social policy at the University of New Brunswick. Scott was a steadfast champion for education and literacy causes.

In the late 1970s as a University student, Andy became one of the drivers for the Venture Van program operated by CRCD (now Easter Seals New Brunswick) which provided accessible transportation to students with disabilities attending public schools before districts took on this responsibility. Andy touched the lives of many people living with a disability and their families in New Brunswick through his volunteer roles with Easter Seals, the New Brunswick Association for Community Living, Camp Rotary, and Disability Awareness Week.

In June 1996, the Government of Canada established the Federal Task Force on Disability Issues, which was chaired by Andy Scott resulting in a major report, Equal Citizenship for Canadians with Disabilities: The Will to Act.  In particular, the task force affirmed a federal role with regard to disability issues and the need for a disability policy framework that would ensure the full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in Canadian society. 

In 2007 Andy was recognized for his long term support of disability issues through a provincial award as part of New Brunswick Disability Awareness Week.  He is described as a tireless community builder and as a leader and politician with a strong social conscience.  After a courageous battle with cancer, Andy passed away in 2013 at the age of 58.  While Andy may no longer be with us, his life’s work promoting inclusion and human rights for persons with disabilities and others will leave a lasting legacy as someone who truly made a difference.  Scott was the husband of Denise Cameron Scott and the father of three sons, Nathan, Nicholas and Noah.