[FEAT BC Admin]

In this topic area, discussion is about the fight to secure Government funding for your A.B.A. treatment program. It is also the place to talk about your thoughts and ideas about how to establish new Government programs specifically designed for autism treatment.

This is the place to hear input from parents who have fought for funding and won, as well as those who have fought for funding and would like to share their horror stories. There is a tendency to not share success stories once funding is secured. Please fight that tendency. By sharing our experience, we all become stronger.

 

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—-By FEAT BC (Freeman) on Saturday, January 3, 1998 – 03:16 pm:

-Hi everyone!

These are some things to think about in your dealings with government to help you to obtain support for your child’s Autism Treatment Program. These are my personal opinions and do not represent those of FEAT of BC or any other organization.

Many of these observations are based on my personal experiences (and I believe it poetic justice to help every parent avoid being systematically abused by their social worker the way I was).

Good luck to everyone! (Let’s all pull back the curtain on the Wizard of OZ).

Sabrina

 

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How To Fight for Funding for Autism Treatment and Appropriate School Placement

1. Establish a Paper Trail

Always take notes, documenting major points of all conversations with government and school officials.

This includes casual, in person conversations with social workers as well as ALL telephone conversations. All key points of discussion must be written down in your notes including the date and time of the discussion. This includes what was agreed upon, as well as what was not agreed upon.

Then the notes should be used to write a letter recapping the substance and content of the conversation. This letter must then be mailed or faxed to the person with whom you had the conversation. In addition, a copy must be kept in your file (see section on the icci game).

Why?

It is important to formalize the interaction between you and Government officials. In addition, everyone is put on notice that they must closely adhere to their responsibilities, regulations and laws., Furthermore, they must then consider the paper trail you have created. This lets everyone know that the interaction can become public and that any abuses of power and authority can be formally appealed and/or publicized.

In other words, they canit use discretion unfairly under the cloak of secrecy.

2. Submit all Requests in Writing

All your requests for your child must be submitted formally in writing with a copy included in your file and a copy, if necessary, sent to their immediate superiors.

3. Set Deadlines for Action

All formal requests for action must have a reasonable deadline set for that action. If no action or response is received by the deadline you have set (two weeks for example), then you will interpret the lack of response as a formal declination (a formal NO) of your requests.

Why Set Deadlines?

When bureaucrats do not want to do something, they will stall by ignoring you and your request. (As an aside, in the study of the bureaucracy, this is known as ithe power to do nothingi). They can string you along for years. When you have determined that the person you are interacting with is not inclined to help you or is not dealing in good faith, then you must take the initiative and formally label his/her behavior as obstructionist and de facto as a declination (a NO to your requests). This allows you to move to the next level of authority on your timetable to present your case. This takes the power to do nothing away from the bureaucrat with whom you are dealing. Simple stated, a bureaucrat who stalls and does nothing becomes irrelevant (use your invisible spray) and you move on to the next level of authority.

How to icci?

A cc. is a copy of your letter sent to someone other than the person you are writing. You put the cc. at the bottom left-hand corner of your letter followed by 2 spaces and the name of the person or people to whom you want to send a copy of the letter.

Who to icci to?

Sometimes it is best not to icci at all, especially in the early stages of the relationship (for example, your first letter to a social worker requesting assistance). This gives them the opportunity to do the right thing and does not present you as an overly combative person. When you start to run into problems, it is a good idea to send the icci to the 2 immediate superiors of the person you are having problems with. We do not recommend icciing all the way up the chain of command, since you want to give them a chance to solve the problem at the local level.

Why send a icci copy?

The reason for playing the icci game is that you want your interactions with the official to be known to his superior and possibly to other organizations so that 1) their action or inaction becomes a matter of record and 2) the individual knows he is being monitored. This helps minimize abuses of power and authority and helps encourage the official to meet their obligations and do the right thing.

What is the sequence of letters?

Find out the chain of command of the particular bureaucracy you are battling.

TOP

Minister
Deputy Minister
Children’s Ministry’s local region chain of command, all the way down to the District Supervisor
and Social Worker
Contacts can be found at the government directory: http://www.dir.gov.bc.ca/

BOTTOM

Start at the bottom and climb. At the Regional Operating Officer (ROO) level (once you have been declined) you have to decide whether to jump up to the top, threaten and then go to the media, or both. A word of wisdom: DO NOT BLUFF. If you are not willing to go all the way, they will ‘smell’ this. You must be prepared to take it right up to the Minister and beyond.

Documentation from Experts:

In your arsenal to fight for your child, it is wise to get his/her pediatrician and/or psychiatrist to write a letter on your childis behalf. In addition, any other experts who know your child and are sympathetic to what you are trying to do should become involved.

When to hire a lawyer?

If money is not an issue, you can hire a lawyer when you get to the area manager level. Make sure that you have a paper trail so the lawyer has something to work with. Also, have the lawyer give F.E.A.T. of B.C. a call, and we will send him/her information that will help.

If money is an issue (as it is for most of us running autism treatment programs), you might want to hire a lawyer once you have been turned down by the Minister.

How to hire a lawyer?

The type of lawyer needed is a litigator, or trial lawyer. S/he does not need to be an expert in autism, or special needs; s/he needs to be experienced in suing governments, and enjoys being in court. Word of mouth is a good way to find a lawyer.

Topic

[Andrew Kavchak]

This is an interesting case. At least the police did not taser the individual.

It reminds me of when I was protesting on the Hill and a mother came to me and told me that her son did not venture out during the day much because he had difficulty with all the people on the streets. He apparently tended to go out for walks in the late evening when it was dark. Unfortunately, he became somewhat obsessed with the streetlights and the reflection of his image off the windows of parked cars. The result? The police apparently picked him up several times on suspicion of stealing cars. Apparently the experiences really traumatized the young lad. I've never been in a holding cell or detention centre, but none of the descriptions I have heard sound particularly nice. Don't the cops have anything better to do than detain teenagers with autism? Where is all that "sensitivity" training they keep talking about? What ever happened to some basic education and common sense? Whether you like it or not, not everyone is perfectly normal or healthy and just because someone walks different does not mean they are drunk criminals. Let's get with the program!

But to give credit where credit is due, I will say that I know one parent in Ottawa who is a member of the Ottawa police force and he has been a great supporter of our cause over the years and has attempted to educate many of his fellow police officers about autism over the years. He also runs a golf tournament to raise funds to actually help families pay for treatment. An asset to our community if there ever was one.
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Will apologize for mistaking autistic teen as drunk, police chief says

Last Updated: Wednesday, April 22, 2009
CBC News

Dane Spurrell was arrested this weekend, after police mistook his autism for drunkenness. (CBC)

The chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said Wednesday the force will apologize to an autistic teenager who was picked up and detained in a lockup because officers assumed he was drunk.

Dane Spurrell, 18, of Mount Pearl was stopped by an RNC patrol on Saturday night while he was walking along Topsail Road. Spurrell told CBC News on Tuesday the RNC assumed he was drunk because of his appearance and how he walks.

RNC Chief Joe Browne said Wednesday that while he does not yet have all the facts in the case, he will ensure that the force enhances its training so that it does not happen again.

Spurrell was held in custody overnight and released after his mother, Diane Spurrell, called to report that her son was missing. When informed that he was in the downtown lockup, she told the RNC that her son is autistic.

Browne said while such an incident has never happened before, he pointed out where he thought the confusion may have started.

"It's not uncommon, actually, for people, depending on the level of autism, sometimes to be confused with somebody who may be under the influence of a substance, which appears to the case in this particular event. So we'll be looking deeply into that," Browne told CBC News in Labrador City.

"I'll be talking to both the young man and the young man's mother to ensure they understand our position and that we can apologize for the discomfort we've caused," he said. "But other than that we have to look at ensuring there's greater awareness around this so that these things don't happen."

Dane Spurrell said earlier this week that officers may also have thought he was intoxicated because he resisted his arrest. He maintained that he had done nothing wrong.

Jason Geary, who works with Newfoundland and Labrador's Autism Society, said Spurrell's arrest should never have happened.

"We were appalled, and the incident we feel was definitely preventable," Geary said Wednesday.

"We definitely think that, going forward, we don't have to have a repeat of this."

Coincidentally, Geary said, the RNC had contacted him last week, before the arrest, to talk about a training program for its officers.

[Andrew Kavchak]

Hi Folks,

I just came across some interesting information. Earlier this month the Governor General recognized a number of Canadians with special awards in honour of their "caring" nature. The "caring Canadians" were on TV news, etc. One of the recent recipients of the recognitions was someone in Ottawa named "Molly Bruce" and the GG's press release states:

"Molly M. E. Bruce, Ottawa, Ontario

Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

Molly Bruce, of Ottawa, Ontario, has had an impact on many persons with disabilities and their families. For almost 30 years, she has run a support group for persons with disabilities. She is a former board member of both Family Alliance Ontario and the Ottawa chapter of the Autistic Society, and is the founder of the Bridge Research Foundation, through
which she provides information on how to access services, equipment and treatments. Mrs. Bruce serves as a strong advocate and knowledgeable
resource for persons with disabilities, and inspires all who witness her selfless efforts."

Excuse me, but…WHO?

I have been an active member and advocate in the Ottawa autism community for five years and the name "Molly Bruce" does not ring a bell at all. I know my memory is past its prime, but I don't forget people who are truly helpful. I remember one lady who answered the phone at the Ottawa Chapter of the Autism Society when I first called five years ago and she was helpful and quickly sent me some resource materials by mail. But I thought her name was Margaret and she stopped answering the phone a while ago.

And what is the "Autistic Society". I have heard of the federal and provincial "Autism Society", but I have never heard in Canada of an "Autistic Society".

I'm sorry, but it is hard not to get cynical. In 2004 I nominated Sabrina Freeman to the GG for an Order of Canada designation. It took years before I was told that she had not yet accomplished enough in her life to merit the award. Creating FEAT of BC and providing thousands of families with help, advice, resources, etc. is not enough. Writing books about teaching language is not enough. Taking a big case all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada over several years is not enough. Writing about the misuse of science in litigation and a comparative analysis of autism treatments is not enough. Unbelievable.

But after years of waiting and being told that she was not yet "Order of Canada" material, I was told that she could be considered for a special "meritorious service" award. So I immediately ensured that the nomination would be processed for consideration of that award. We are now around or close to the third year mark of waiting around for some feedback on that. Every six months I call for an update and I am given one story or another about their "procedures", "review", etc. A decision will be made…eventually.

The way this system works is truly bizarre as there are people who actually have jobs and research the background of those nominated, etc. in order to write reports and briefs for the committees who occasionally meet to consider the nominees, make decisions and recommendations to the GG, etc. But in all their research, they never realized that there is no "Autistic Society".

I always thought having the GG as head of state was about as much of an affront to democracy as our unelected senators voting on laws in Parliament. The last couple of GGs have been wholly uninspiring, notwithstanding their alleged knowledge, intelligence and skills. When this current incumbent was appointed by Paul Martin I remember reading an article in the paper lavishing praise and pointing out that she was good at languages and spoke Creole. "Finally!" I thought to myself, "A Governor General that can speak Creole properly!". Just what we needed.

In any event, it is quite possibly that this Molly Bruce is the real McCoy and may be entirely deserving of the recognition and award. However, would such recognition not be considered to be an opportunity to raise the public profile of the needs of the autism community and shed some media spotlight on it? Is this not something that Molly Bruce could beat the drum about? Or how about the "Autistic Society"? When I visited the Autism Ontario – Ottawa Chapter's website, I did not find any press release or notice or news relating to Molly Bruce getting any recognition. Even though the media did cover the event (Reuters wrote a story and it was on local television, etc.) it appears to me that another opportunity to raise the profile of the real issue was missed…again. Autistic Society indeed.

[Andrew Kavchak]

Hi Folks,

Thanks Jemma and Barbara for your kind words. It is always a pleasure to share what bits of information and thoughts I have with like-minded people like you (the "Concern and Crush Committee" or 'CCC'!). I have always had a great deal of admiration and respect for the FEAT of BC organization and those behind the Auton case and am thankful for the privilege of posting on this board.

Incidentally, in Ottawa there is an organization called "Disabled and Proud" run by an elderly gentleman named Charles Matthews. Charles is partially paralyzed and uses one of those motorized scooters to get around. Every two months or so he publishes a free newspaper called "Access Now" which is distributed around Ottawa in municipal centres, etc.

I first met Charles in 2004 when he came up on Parliament Hill to distribute a bundle of his newspapers to MPs and I was protesting at the Centennial Flame. He immediately offered me a chance to write an "Autism Update" column for his paper which I have been doing since then.

In the current issue I summarize the latest pathetic developments in Ontario regarding the letter Taline Sagharian recently received from the Ombudsman's office explaining why they will not investigate the autism in schools situation (apparently the government has been doing a satisfactory job in recent years with its "expert panels", reports, memoradums, benchmarking exercise, etc. and is on top of things).

Of course, any parent with a child in the system knows that all of this commotion has not resulted in any change on the ground, but certainly gives the impression that someone turned the blender on.

The current issue is awailable online at:

http://www.accessnownews.ca/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=113&format=html

Cheers!
Andrew

[Milburn Drysdale]

New FEAT User Accounts

There has been considerable frustration for quite a while now as new User ID and passwords have not been given out to new parents and therapists. The previous parent responsible for handing out User Ids, simply became overwhelmed with everyday life (something I'm sure we can all understand) and fell behind.

A new parent (myself) has taken over this responsibility. There is a massive backlog of emails and I suspect it will take me a couple of weeks to get through them all.

Please bear with me, as I figure this out. If you haven't heard from me within a few weeks, send another email to FEAT Admin requesting a User ID and password.

Thanks for your patience.
FEAT Admin

[Jemma Lee]

Hi Andrew,

I too want to thank you. I learn more from you than from anyone else.

Hi Barbara,

I am way beyond "concerned" about Autism Speaks Canada giving money to Laurent Mottron. There is no bigger insult that they can add to our injury. Someone must somehow crush Suzanne Lanthier and her friends. If we don't start striking some fear into these people, we are guilty of denying justice to our children.

Jemma

[Barbara Rodrigues]

Hi Andrew:

Thanks for keeping us updated out here what's happening. It really disgusts me. Our kids can't even get a bloody 'day' – no cost to the Government in this – they don't even get that much respect.

I am also concerned about Autism Speaks Canada giving that amount of money to that 'Dr'. I also went to their website and am not impressed with what/where the money is going. Did you read what Mottron is testing? Doesn't sound that helpful to our kids. Also I note that he/they call children/adults with autism 'autistics' -which is the Michelle Dawson club way of speaking. I also will not be donating to these guys.

Thanks again for the info/updates. We appreciate your time.

Barbara

[Andrew Kavchak]

Hi again Folks,

There's just a couple more things I wish to share with you that I found recently regarding some of the Mike Lake shenanigans last week. And also something about this "Autism Speaks Canada" organization.

As some of you may know, a number of autism organizations formed an "alliance" over a year ago and had their "leaders" descend on Ottawa last week to participate in the reception to "celebrate" World Autism Awareness Day.

Mike Lake not only appeared at the reception (during which his son barfed while he was talking), he also invited the members of the alliance to his office for a meeting. Apparently an assistant to the Health Minister who was somewhat young, ignorant and arrogant also showed up.

What good could come of such a meeting? Laurel Gibbons and I met with Mike Lake several years ago after he was first elected and during the meeting back then it became pretty clear to me that Mike Lake did not really know much about autism, autism treatment, autism policies, the struggle of our community, etc. Nor did he really seem to care. When we informed him that the prevalence rate was 1 in 150 he replied that he did not believe that. The scientific validity of the study's methodology which was used by the CDC to come to their conclusion was irrelevant. Mike Lake simply did not "believe".

When we gave him some pages of the signed autism petition he gave it back to us and said he would not table the petition in the House of Commons. Etc. So what did the "autism alliance" folks think they would get out of a meeting with "Mr. Non-Believer"?

Apparently at the beginning Mike Lake asked the representatives what are parents saying and thinking these days about autism. Gee. Do you really have no idea Mike? Then he asked the representatives what each organization's purpose or role was. Then he asked them what their differences are. The old "divide and conquer strategy". Why would he ask that if not to know the weaknesses and vulnerabilities to exploit when convenient.

Then the poor simpleton from the Minister's office told the folks, among other things, that there is "no money" to help. The shamelessness is unbelievable. After 11 straight years of budget surplusses during which they said there was "insufficient resources", the government is now running a massive deficit with borrowed money. And they are spending money left, right and centre, as if it grew on trees. A big plan for the auto parts suppliers was just announced, another guarantee of all warrantees if GM files for bankruptcy protection, and just today, the government is considering $150 million to help television stations in smaller markets. These hundreds of millions of dollars just appear overnight, with the stroke of a pen. But for autism, there's "no money". What Bull****!

Anyways, at the end of the meeting Mike Lake told the representatives there that Senator Munson's bill for a autism awareness day is unacceptable because of the "Whereas" clauses at the beginning of the Bill. He told those who were present to tell Munson to delete or change those clauses if the Bill was ever to have a hope of being considered. Let's be clear, the Bill does NOTHING, apart from make a declaration of April 2 being known as World Autism Awareness Day. BIG DEAL! The Bill won't change our kids' access to treatment or anything important. It is merely symbolic. That's it. It won't cost the government any money. And Mike Lake, who has a non-verbal son with autism is not only opposed to the feds helping our kids get access to treatment, he is even against a symbolic statement on awareness.

And what is it in the "whereas" clauses that cause problems? The Bill is printed below. Take a look for yourself and ask yourself if any are factually incorrect. The "whereas" clauses establish the context. To take out the "whereas" clauses would be to gut the Bill. What else could one call it? The truth hurts, eh, Mike?

On a related note, one of the entities that was represented in the room with Mike Lake was Autism Speaks Canada. This organization does a lot of "walks for autism" to raise funds for autism research and they get a lot of people involved who contribute. Earlier today I checked their website and came across a list of the grants they made with the money raised. It was headed by a grant in excess of $400,000 over three years to "Dr." Laurent Mottron in Quebec. The same guy who is Michelle Dawson's side kick in the struggle against ABA and the promotion of the joy of autism and neurodiversity movement. For some additional background and thoughts about Laurent Mottron, check out some of the postings on the Facing Autism in New Brunswick blog of Harold Doherty. When I told one academic friend of mine in Quebec that Autism Speaks gave money (and so much of it) to Mottron, he replied "then they are stupid". Period. I can tell you that under their current leadership I certainly won't be contributing to their fundraising.
__________________

BILL S-210

An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day

Preamble

Whereas autism spectrum disorders affect at least 1 in 165 families in Canada;

Whereas Canada has a health care system and social safety net to prevent illness and serve citizens;

Whereas the number of Canadians diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders has grown by 150% in the last six years;

Whereas Canadian families affected by autism spectrum disorders have unequal access to services across the country;

Whereas worldwide the number of diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders is growing;

Whereas autism affects more children worldwide than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined;

Whereas a greater awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for people with autism is required to engage more Canadians in helping their fellow citizens;

Whereas early intervention in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders can have promising results and help people engage with and contribute to society;

Whereas there is no known cause or cure for autism spectrum disorders;

Whereas Canada has no national strategy to address autism spectrum disorders;

Whereas 192 United Nations representatives agreed that World Autism Awareness Day would draw the attention of people across the globe to this neurological disorder that is affecting an increasing number of families;

Whereas in 2007 the United Nations General Assembly designated April 2, from 2008 on, as World Autism Awareness Day;

Whereas Canada is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which maintain that children with disabilities should enjoy a full and decent life in conditions that ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate their active participation in the community, while also enjoying all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children;

And whereas Canada is a member of the United Nations and supports the work of this vital international organization;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

SHORT TITLE

Short title
1. This Act may be cited as the World Autism Awareness Day Act.

WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

World Autism Awareness Day
2. Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the second day of April shall be known as "World Autism Awareness Day".

[Andrew Kavchak]

Hi Folks,

Every once in a while I am impressed by the dedication of some demonstrators. While autism rallies on Parliament Hill in the past were always moderate and modest affairs with limited participation from the community, something strange went on in Ottawa yesterday. A demonstration on the Hill actually snarled up traffic and screwed up everyone's rush hour getting home. But if that was not impressive enough, they are doing it for a second day in a row! (see the latest news report below). And what do certain communities have that the autism community does not? Imagine if this mess was caused by hundreds of members of the autism community! One thing, however, that the organizers seem to have forgotten… Parliamentarians are on a two week vacation!

From the Ottawa Citizen…

Pro-Tamil protests snarls commute for second day

By Cassandra Drudi, The Ottawa Citizen
April 8, 2009 4:01

Pro-Tamil supporters disrupted the afternoon commute in Ottawa for a second day Wednesday.

OTTAWA — Police are warning commuters to expect delays again during the afternoon rush hour as a demonstration that began Tuesday afternoon in front of Parliament Hill spilled into the streets for the second day.

Police have closed Wellington between O'Connor and Elgin Streets as about 600 demonstrators, waving Tamil and Canadian flags, have taken to the streets drumming and chanting to demand the Canadian government intervene and broker a UN-sanctioned ceasefire in Sri Lanka.

Westbound OC Transpo and STO buses are being diverted onto Albert Street between Elgin and Kent streets. Eastbound routes are running along Slater Street via Lyon Street to Elgin.

Police are expecting that traffic in the downtown core and potentially the interprovincial bridges may be affected. The number of demonstrators has grown from the group of about 30 who camped out at Metcalfe and Wellington streets overnight and lined the sidewalks at that intersection Wednesday morning. Several busloads of demonstrators arrived in the afternoon from Toronto and Montreal. People have been in the streets since around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. Similar protests have occurred this week in London and other European capitals…….

[Andrew Kavchak]

Hi Folks,

Well, every once in a while you hear something that just sounds mysteriously and remarkably appropriate….

I heard from a colleague who was present at the reception to "celebrate" World Autism Awareness Day on Parliament Hill last Wednesday (April 1), that a number of the MPs and Senator Munson each took the floor in the reception room to say a few words.

Apparently each of the politicians who spoke mentioned the need for a National Autism Strategy. Except one. One MP did not mention a National Autism Strategy. Guess who? Mike Lake. Who else, right?

However, something unusual happened while Mike Lake was speaking. When Mike Lake spoke he had his son beside him. After not doing anything for the autism community on Parliament Hill since he was elected, he brings his son out for another photo opportunity. As you know, his son has autism and is non-verbal.

I don't know about you, but if I suffered from a disorder and had a dad who was in a position to help get access to treatment and instead attempted to justify government inaction, I would probably get sick to my stomach.

From what I hear, that is exactly what happened. While Mike Lake was speaking his son walked away and joined his mother and with her assistance made his way to the corner of the reception room and threw up (in a garbage can or something). I was not there, but this is what I heard from someone who was.

While speaking, Mike Lake apparently also stated that his son had some stomach trouble recently, but I wonder whether Mike Lake's speaking and his son's vomiting at the same time was not a mere coincidental event but whether there was in fact a cause-effect connection between the two. In any event, it sounds like his son expressed himself quite well. I doubt anyone could have said anything better.

[Andrew Kavchak]

Attention! Attention! Bill C-360 is finally here!

The autism community now has a new Private Members' Bill in the House of Commons to lobby their MPs about. Please consider contacting Glenn Thibeault to thank him for tabling the bill and tell him about what it means to your family and the community. Plese also contact your MP and asking them to make a clear statement in support of this bill and post it on their website.

Also, please contact each and every autism organization and ask them to post news about this bill on their website along with a clear unequivocal statement expressing their position on the bill. Do they support it or don't they? If they do support it, would they consider a campaign to lobby MPs to support it? Many autism organizations all over the country distribute awareness pins, etc. but how about engaging in something like this which could potentially help our kids and future generations big time?

Let's get Bill C-360 debated at second reading and passed at a vote to refer it to the Standing Committee on Health so that they can (finally) hold some hearings into ASD and Medicare. To become law, the Bill would then have to go for a third reading and vote in the House, followed by a similar process in the Senate, followed by Royal Assent (GG's signature).

The last time a similar bill from Shawn Murphy was tabled in the House we had some interesting debate at second reading, followed by the negative vote which killed the bill before it even got to the committee review stage.

The vote not only recorded in Hansard who are our allies, and who are the shameless politicians (I'm thinking in particular of all the Bloc who voted against it and the Andy Scott Motion for a National Autism Strategy, and the Conservatives who voted for the Motion – which is not binding as a motion is not law – and then voted against the bill – which ultimately reveals the two-faced hypocrisy of some politicians). It also provided an opportunity for Mike Lake to reveal his true colours as he issued an open letter explaining why he was voting against Shawn Murnphy's bill which would have resulted in autism treatment being covered by public health insurance (even though he himself has a non-verbal son with autism that he has brought out for photo ops). For those of you who are new to the struggle, FEAT of BC published an annotation to the letter on their website which is recommended reading. See: https://featbc.org/downloads/FEATBC_release_02_26_07.pdf

This time the autism community should lobby our politicians to push the bill past second reading and refer it to the Standing Health Committee for clause by clause review as soon as possible.

The Health Committee should be bombarded by the autism community with messages outlining the nature of the problem and demanding passage of the bill and comprehensive action and leadership by the federal government.

Even though this minority government may not last for five years, we are lucky that it is tabled relatively early in this government's mandate. The reality is that any advancement by the bill and any report issued by the Standing Committee on Health could potentially help advance the cause (in the long term). The House Standing Committee on Health's agenda has an influence on the government and what eventually may get done (or not done). At a minimum, it may prove to be another useful tool to refer to in the future, as the Senate Committee report "Pay Now or Pay Later". Our community should use all its resources to shape and influence the future and outcome of Bill C-360.

All hands on deck! Let's get Bill C-360 moving!
____________________

House of Commons
Hansard
Friday, April 3, 2009.

Routine Proceedinds

Canada Health Act

Mr. Glenn Thibeault (Sudbury, NDP) moved for leave to introduce Bill C-360, An Act to amend the Canada Health Act (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

He said: Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the seconder of this bill, the hon. member for Nickel Belt.

I am pleased today to introduce this private member's bill, an act to amend the Canada Health Act, and to look at how we can include autism spectrum disorder in it.

Yesterday was World Autism Awareness Day. I still wear my awareness pin proudly. We as parliamentarians need to work together to provide individuals with ASD and their families with the right supports. IBI training is a step in the right direction, but we need a national strategy.

I look forward to the day when all parties can stand together and show our support for individuals and families dealing with autism.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
_____________________________

[Author]

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