YELLOWKNIFE - Life has dealt Carmen Tees a few bad hands, including multiple sclerosis, sleep apnea, osteo arthritis and depression but thanks to the companionship of her cat Sadie, getting through the tough times has been a little easier.

Carmen Tees, with her cat Sadie, is worried she will be denied access to a new apartment complex designed for persons with disabilities because of a no-pet policy the Yellowknife Housing Authority may place on the building. Tees suffers from multiple sclerosis and osteo arthritis and says Sadie's company and affection keep her going. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

However, Tees has learned that a no-pet policy for a near-finished apartment complex for persons with disabilities could keep her from a more fulfilling existence. While her current unit has unique features such as lower cupboards and a disabled-friendly bathroom, it is too small to navigate her scooter around and impossible for Tees to get the machine outdoors.

"My mobility is deteriorating and I'm going to have to rely on my scooter more and more in the future," said Tees, who is confined to her apartment.

For the past five years Tees has made do in her current location at Dorset Apartments in the hope she would be considered for the new building next door. But because the building will be in the control of the Yellowknife Housing Authority, its no-pet policy could keep Tees on the sidelines.

"Eight years ago the housing authority gave me permission to have a cat (acknowledging) it was good for my health," said Tees, who will not part with Sadie, even if it meant losing better accommodations. "Sadie has been there for me and is very calming when the pain gets bad, she's been my companion."

Jim White, chief executive officer for the housing authority, declined to comment citing government policy that forbids employees to discuss individual cases. White did say that despite the housing authority's no-pet policy, it allowed Tees to keep Sadie at her current residence but would not say if this policy would be waived at the new building.

Cecily Hewitt from the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities, wouldn't discuss the situation in detail but did say that she was advocating on Tees' behalf.

"I think this is a human rights issue ultimately," said Hewitt. "And I'm confident that an exception can be made in this situation."

"There are several human rights cases confirming that a 'no-pets' rule can have an adverse effect on people with disabilities whose animals are considered assistiveÖ or that provide therapeutic benefit," wrote Therese Boullard, director of the NWT Human Rights Commission, to Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins who is lobbying the territorial government on behalf of Tees.