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Andrew Kavchak
ParticipantBreaking news at CBC.ca! The federal government is recognized as having a "manifest disregard for science"!
FEAT BC and its supporters have known that from day one!
Only on the CBC is this breaking news. But at least they regarded it as newsworthy!
From CBC.ca:
_________________________________________________Harper gov't has 'disregard' for science: journal
Updated Fri. Feb. 22 2008 4:14 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A biting editorial published in one of the world's most well-respected journals accuses Stephen Harper's Conservative government of having a "manifest disregard for science."
The editorial, called Science in Retreat, appeared in Thursday's edition of the British journal Nature.
"Science has long faced an uphill battle for recognition in Canada, but the slope became steeper when the Conservative government was elected in 2006," it says.
The editorial says that while Canada's researchers consistently rank among the world's top ten, the federal government's track record on science is "dismal in comparison."
The Harper government has also been skeptical of the science on climate change and stepped away from Canada's commitment to Kyoto, the journal charges.
Environment Canada scientists were "muzzled," in January, it says, when they were ordered to rout all media enquiries through Ottawa.
"Last week, the prime minister and members of the cabinet failed to attend a ceremony to honour the Canadian scientists who contributed to the international climate-change report that won a share of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize," it says.
Specifically, it is critical of Ottawa's decision to move the office of the independent national science adviser away from the prime minister's offices to Industry Canada.
The adviser, chemist Arthur Carty, was appointed to the post in 2004 by then-prime minister Paul Martin and gave up his position as president of the National Research Council Canada.
"But his new office was destined to fail. The budget was abysmal and the mandate was vague at best," the editorial says.
In 2007, when the government formed the 18-member Science Technology and Innovation Council (STIC), Carty was informed that Ottawa would no longer need an adviser and he offered his resignation.
Starting in March, the STIC will provide policy advice and report on the country's performance in science and technology.
But the editorial goes on to lambaste its role, saying: "It can be expected to be markedly less independent: although it is stocked with first-class scientists and entrepreneurs, several government administrators also hold seats."
It ends looking to the future, saying the current government might be dissolved after a confidence vote next month, "which could in itself lead to a change for the better."
But it adds that "in any circumstances, Canada's leading scientists can be public advocates, pointing to the examples of other countries in urging the government of the day to boost their country into a position of leadership rather than reluctant follower."
In a letter of rebuttal to Nature, Industry Minister Jim Prentice says that the government is dedicated to "supporting world-leading research.''
"How anyone can state that 18 bright minds cannot perform the task of one science adviser — who decided to retire after years of dedicated public service — is incomprehensible," he writes.
Prentice also argues the Harper government considers climate change "to be one of the greatest threats facing the world today.''
ParticipantSenate of Canada
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
HansardQuestion Period
Health
National Strategy for Autism
Hon. Gerry St. Germain: Honourable senators, my question today, I believe, transcends partisanship and politics.
Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
Some Hon. Senators: Oh, oh!
Senator Germain: It is a first.
Yesterday, Senator Munson asked a question of the Leader of the Government in the Senate in regard to autism. Autism is a disease of our children, and the information that was given to me is that 80 per cent of families with autistic children break down as a result of the stress. I do not know how accurate that figure is, but that is the information I have been given.
The Leader of the Government in the Senate said yesterday that the responsibility for frontline providers for treatment and assistance rests with the provinces. Could the minister tell the Senate whether there is any initiative underway that would encourage other provinces to take the lead of the Province of Alberta? The Province of Alberta is in quite a unique situation because of the amount of wealth that exists there, but there are other provinces that are fairly wealthy, such as British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Senator Peterson knows how wealthy his province is becoming.
I think there should be an initiative that reminds these people of the great responsibility that exists in regard to dealing with this horrific situation that plagues so many families in our country.
Hon. Marjory LeBreton (Leader of the Government and Secretary of State (Seniors)): Honourable senators, I know exactly what the honourable senator speaks about because a member of my own family has an autistic son.
There is a problem with the various theories that speculate as to the cause of autism. We have all read about theories that suggest that autism is caused from vaccines administered to children when they are young, to genetics, to stressful environmental issues. Some people say autism is a form of mental illness. There are people with autistic children who do not like that definition because they think there is a stigma attached to the term.
Former Senator Michael Kirby was named as the head of the Mental Health Commission. Autism fell under the rubric of mental illness in one of the studies completed by the Social Affairs Committee. The Minister of Health, Mr. Clement, has taken measures on the federal side.
However, the honourable senator is right; the delivery of health in this country is a provincial responsibility. He is also quite right that Alberta is one of the jurisdictions that is leading the way. Perhaps provincial ministers of health, when trying to collectively deal with this, could share information at a future health ministers' meeting.
In the honourable senator's own province, on October 20 of last year, $1 million was invested towards the creation of a new national chair in autism research intervention. The research happens to be located in the honourable senator's province, at Simon Fraser University, but the mandate is national in scope. Hopefully, through research and knowledge such as that, researchers will work with the provinces and territories to share best practices.
That is really what must happen here. Different jurisdictions should share best practices. Senator Munson used the example of cancer, and I think the other example used was with respect to the heart. Defining autism is unfortunately not an easy task because of the various theories in regard to what causes autism.
As a result of questions yesterday, I spoke to the Minister of Health about this issue, and he told me he could understand the concern because people in this situation are in desperate need.
The federal government is taking concrete actions to continue to work with the various stakeholders, provinces and territories to try to alleviate a situation that is causing such a desperate need for families with autistic children.
ParticipantHi Folks,
On the heels of Health Minister Tony Clement's statement in the House yesterday of how great his government is because they took action on autism by contributing a $1 million to a university autism chair and holding an [by invitation only and so far secret results] autism symposium, a new video about the lack of a National Autism Strategy in Canada has now been posted a YouTube. Check it out…
ParticipantAutism was also discussed yesterday in the Senate during the "Senators' Statements" portion and "Question Period".
Senate Debates
Tuesday, February 12, 2008.Senators' Statements
Autism Awareness
Mr. Stefan MarinoiuWalk from Toronto to Ottawa
Hon. Jim Munson: Honourable senators, this week I had the honour to meet a man who walked all the way from Toronto to Ottawa, in cold and snowy weather, to raise awareness about autism.
Mr. Stefan Marinoiu is the father of Simon, a young man with autism who, at age 15, is having a harder and harder time coping. The family is afraid for him and also for their own safety as Simon becomes more aggressive often a symptom of autism. Like other parents of autistic children, Mr. Marinoiu has sacrificed to buy services and programs his son needs.
He has asked the government for help, but has not received it. He is like many witnesses who appear before our Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology people who are at the end of their rope. They are ready to do any number of things. They may be about to lose their homes because they need the money to pay therapists, or they may be about to move to Alberta where benefits for children with autism are more generous. One thing is certain: families with children with autism are under stress. Every day is about hard work, patience, advocacy and sacrifice.
The world is a lonely, hopeless place when a father feels he cannot help and care for his family. That is what happened to Mr. Marinoiu. On January 31, he took this 11-day walk to Ottawa on Highway No. 2, in terrible weather, to come here to express his frustration and to tell Parliament what he needs. He has met with the Minister of Health and is not very satisfied with his response.
I hope, honourable senators, that we will join Mr. Marinoiu in his effort to make this government take action on Simon's behalf, and on behalf of all Canadians with autism.
Question Period
Health
National Strategy for Autism
Hon. Jim Munson: Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Earlier in a statement, I told the house about Stefan Marinoiu and his courageous walk to plead his case for autism. I do not understand why the situation has to come down to a man acting in desperation for his son and, of course, for tens of thousands of other sons and daughters across the country.
In 2006, the House of Commons passed a motion supported by the Conservatives. The motion stated that in the opinion of the House the government should create a national strategy for autism spectrum disorder. The final report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, entitled, Pay Now or Pay Later, Autism Families in Crisis, recommended a similar plan. In fact, I believe that the committee led the way in calling for a national strategy. Given that we have national strategies for AIDS, diabetes and cancer, why is this government not taking any action to create a national autism strategy for all Canadians?
Hon. Marjory LeBreton (Leader of the Government and Secretary of State (Seniors)): Honourable senators, I thank Senator Munson for the question. I listened to the honourable senator's statement and, as stated, Minister Clement met with Mr. Marinoiu yesterday. In November 2006, Minister Clement announced a series of initiatives to improve knowledge and research of autism, which was welcomed by the Autism Society of Canada at the time. I am proud to say that the government has fulfilled each of the commitments made.
For example, the government contributed $1 million for the creation of a national chair on autism research and intervention at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. I stress that it is a national chair. The government hosted a national research symposium and is working with the provinces and territories to improve knowledge and research because this matter was brought to the attention of this government and previous governments.
In addition to supporting research, the government is supporting families. In Budget 2007, the government invested $140 million over two years to establish a registered disability savings plan to assist families dealing with autism and other disabilities in their families.
Senator Munson: I thank the honourable leader for her response but, at the end of the day, this is a question of national leadership. That is what the autistic community is saying to me and to others. When he held his news conference, Mr. Clement was told that his was a modest response to their request.
Every autistic community and organization in this country continues to ask me to keep impressing that we need national leadership. What will it take to simply think outside the box for a second when dealing with the Health Act? There are no boundaries, as we know, when it comes to autism. In Alberta, people are receiving full treatment $60,000 for intensive behaviour treatment. In Ontario, there are waiting lines. In Atlantic Canada, there is not enough money.
It does not take much thought or foresight for a minister to say, "Let's sit down, ladies and gentlemen from education and health, to see if we can work something out." I just do not know how long Canadians have to wait.
Senator LeBreton: The honourable senator points out the Alberta situation, which is an excellent example of the work that is being done. Ultimately, in many of these health issues, the provinces are the front-line service deliverers.
The McGuinty government in Ontario took the autism people to court and won. That was a sad day in Ontario for parents of autistic children a sadder day still that they did not live in a province like Alberta.
The fact is that Minister Clement has set aside funds and worked on a series of initiatives. In terms of any conversations or deliberations he has had with the provinces, I will speak to him and see what the provinces are saying in regard to this particularly sad situation and report back to the honourable senator.
_________________________________ParticipantHouse of Commons
Hansard
Tuesday, February 12, 2008Question Period
Autism
Hon. Shawn Murphy (Charlottetown, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, last year the House, with the support of all Conservative members, passed a motion calling for the creation of a national autism strategy. The government has totally ignored this motion.
This week, Stephan Marinoiu, a father of an autistic child, walked from Toronto to Ottawa to raise awareness of the government's failure to live up to this commitment. Over the last couple of days, it would have been a tough cold walk.
My question is for the Minister of Health. How many more Canadian families will be left out in the cold by the Conservative government as costs rise for family members dealing with autism?
Hon. Tony Clement (Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, this is something parents around the country, who have autistic children, deal with on a day to day basis, including members of our caucus.
This is why the government acted. We did something last year that no other federal government has done. We invested $1 million in a brand new chair of autism research. We hosted a national research symposium, working with our provincial and territorial partners to share best practices, improve knowledge and research.
We are doing concrete things in our sphere of jurisdiction to help the lives of autistic children and their parents.
ParticipantHi Folks,
The Ottawa television "A Channel" station broadcasted a report on Mr. Marinoiu's arrival on Parliament Hill yesterday and posted the video on their website at:
ParticipantThe CBC story at: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/autism/
concludes with the summary below of what the provinces each separately offer in terms of autism programs.However, the ultimate source that the CBC used was a Library of Parliament report prepared by the "Parliamentary Information and Research Service" for MPs and Senators (most likely for the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs that was holding hearings into the "Funding for the Treatment of Autism" issue). The date of the report is November 1, 2006.
The report may be accessed by clicking on the link at the bottom of the CBC report or going to:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/library/PRBpubs/prb0622-e.htm
From the ending of the CBC report:
Provincial medical plans offer varying levels of coverage for autism therapy. Some will also cover all or part of the cost of intensive ABA and IBI programs.
Alberta pays up to $60,000 a year per child up to age 18 for ABA/IBA programs.
Ontario covers ABA/IBI programs for qualifying children under the age of six older children are also eligible if an assessment determines they need more treatment.
British Columbia pays up to $20,000 annually for treatment for children up to age six. It pays $6,000 annually for treatment of children six years of age and older.
Nova Scotia pays for an Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention Program. Direct EIBI is provided over the first six months for 15 hours a week, and is gradually reduced over the following six months (10 hours per week for three months and then five to six hours a week for the remaining three months). The number of children selected for the program depends on the resources available through local District Health Authorities.
P.E.I. covers IBI programs for up to $200 per week.
In New Brunswick, the government will pay for intervention services for a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder until the beginning of the school year in the year they turn five.
Manitoba pays up to $6,000 a year for preschoolers for up to 36 hours of ABA treatment a week, with five hours of that treatment provided by the family.
Newfoundland and Labrador will pay up to $40,000 a year per child under the age of six for 30 hours a week of ABA/IBI treatment for two years.
Saskatchewan offers up to 10 hours of therapy under its Autism Early Childhood Therapy Program. In 2006, six children were covered.
Quebec's Autism Action Plan offers 20 hours a week of ABA/IBI therapy for children between the ages of two and five.
The Yukon government pays for ABA/IBI treatment for children up to the age of 19, with no yearly maximum.
The Northwest Territories pays for ABA/IBI treatment for pre-school and school-aged children.
Nunavut has no specific program for children with autism.
Source for funding details: Library of Parliament
ParticipantFrom the Belleville Intelligencer
http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=898278Devoted dad gets meeting with health minister
Posted By Aedan Helmer
When Stefan Marinoiu walked out the front door of his Scarborough home nearly two weeks ago, bound for Parliament Hill, he wasnt expecting face time with a federal cabinet minister.
But after an arduous 450-km trek on foot through bitter cold, the 49-year-old autism activist was invited inside Health Minister Tony Clements chambers for a one-on-one meeting.
Marinoiu, whose 15-year-old son Simon is autistic, said the protest is a personal cause, but its also for all the parents of autistic children.
After waiting several years for behavioural therapy, the Marinoiu family was told Simon was too old for treatment when he finally reached the top of the waiting list.
Marinoiu wrote letters and received polite responses, but no action from government officials, while his son's condition worsened.
His story is becoming all too common, said Liberal Senator Jim Munson, who greeted Marinoiu as he arrived on the steps of Parliament Hill.
"From my perspective, we're in a crisis," said Munson. "Governments have a moral and ethical obligation to pay attention."
A recent Senate report indicated one in 166 Canadians – approximately 48,000 children aged 0-19, and 144,000 adults – are being diagnosed with autism.
After meeting with Clement, Marinoiu said the minister passed the buck to the provinces.
"I'm a little bit discouraged, but this is just one battle," said Marinoiu. "You lose one battle but you cannot lose the war."
ParticipantHi Folks,
Here's a report from the Hill: Just before 11am Stefan Marinoiu arrived on the Hill with his daughter Lia (who took the train from Toronto to catch up with him) and was met by Senator Jim Munson, and a group of parents and media. Today must be the coldest day of the winter so far in Ottawa. With the wind it feels like -35C or something like it, and Mr. Marinoiu was shivering like a leaf as frost built up on his moustache. He gave interviews to the media, as did the supporting cast of parents who showed up. I spoke with the Ottawa Sun reporter, and gave short interviews to the "A Channel" and CTV/CJOH television reporters.
Mr. Marinoiu, his daughter and Senator Munson then left for a meeting with Health Minister Tony Clement. Although there was a press scrum and conference on the steps in front of Centre Block on his arrival, there may be another press conference this afternoon. Well, I suspect he was glad to finally get indoors.
Good luck Stefan!
ParticipantOttawa Sun
Feb 9 2008Man Walks From Toronto to Ottawa for Autism Awareness
Terri Saunders
Its not exactly like Mr. Smiths journey to Washington, but its close.
On the afternoon of Jan. 31, Stefan Marinoiu left his family home in Scarborough and started walking. His destination: The capital of Canada. His goal: To raise awareness of the struggles faced by families living with autism.My wife and I had tried many times to plan this, but there never seemed to be the perfect time, said Marinoiu, 49. On that day, I just said, If Im going to do this, Im going to do this.
As the father of a 15-year-old son with autism, Marinoiu has been dealing with the system for years.
Five years ago, Simon Marinoiu had reached the top of a waiting list for applied behavioural analysis, an intensive treatment for children with autism, but the cutoff age for ABA is seven.
After living through what Stefan described as several straws which broke the camels back, he decided to make the trek to Ottawa.
He left his house with nothing but the clothes on his back.
He began walking along Hwy. 401, which isnt allowed. At one point, he was stopped by the OPP and dropped off on Hwy. 2.
Over the course of the next 10 days, Marinoiu walked through dozens of communities. At times, people offered him food and shelter and there was no shortage of company.
A lot of people came up to me and told me they had one or two or three children with autism and they all told me to keep talking about it, said Marinoiu.
On Monday, Marinoiu will meet with Sen. Jim Munson, and he plans to be heard by other government members.
I hope they dont tell me to take a walk, he said with a laugh. I just want to be able to speak my mind. As a Canadian citizen, I have that right.
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