Landon Webb says judge to allow challenge of Incompetent Persons Act

A judge has ruled a challenge of Nova Scotia's Incompetent Persons Act can go ahead, according to Landon Webb, the man at the centre of the debate.

The judge also ruled the 25-year-old isfree to speak his mind, Webb said, weeks after his parents ordered the facility where he's being held to block visiting, Internet and telephone privileges.

"It's a great relief to be able to have my words spoken out and to be able to be heard finally," Webb told CBC's As It Happens.

"It was a great struggle for me the last weeks to not be able to express my feelings and emotions."

The Incompetent Persons Act allows a parent or guardian to prove that a person has a "mental infirmity," making that person unable to manage their own affairs. Webb's parents have said he functions at the level of a 10 to 12-year-old child.

Webb wants to work, be with family

Webb has argued he should be found competent, and previously ran away from his residential facility to be independent.

"I'd love to see a lot of changes. For one, I'd love to just be able to be with my family," Webb said.

"I'd love to work a Monday to Friday job, 8 to5 at a car wash, eventually move myself up to a dealershipdetailing cars. That's my dream job."

Webb says he's waiting for a reassessment that could change his status.

Webb 'a catalyst' for change

In the meantime, he's received cards and gifts from people across the province. Supporters have rallied on his behalf and the Nova Scotia justice minister has said she'd like to intervene on his behalf.

"Because [Webb's case]has come to light, it is a catalyst for us to have a look at this act and to reconsider what is needed really to modernize our approach to this," Minister Diane Whalen told CBC's As It Happensearlier this month.

"[The Act] is archaic. No question. It's out of date and it doesn't reflect modern society."

Webb says hischallenge of the act will happen in April.