Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Social Affairs, Science and Technology
Issue 3 - Evidence
OTTAWA, Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, to which were referred Bill S-217, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day; and Bill S-210, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day, met this day at 10:45 a.m. to give consideration to the bills.
Senator Art Eggleton (Chair) in the chair.
[English]
The Chair: Welcome to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.
I welcome Senator Raine, who is replacing Senator Segal today, and Senator Mercer, who is here because he wants to be here. Senator Grafstein is in the witness box, as they say, down at the end of the table.
We have two bills to deal with today. Both bills concern the designation of national days to bring recognition to certain areas of concern. The first item is National Philanthropy Day.
Bill S-217 has come on the heels of other bills in previous parliaments dealing with this subject. In the last Parliament, the Thirty-ninth Parliament, this committee had discussions and witnesses before us to give us information concerning this bill.
Today, we have Senator Grafstein. If members of the committee want to hear from other people we can subsequently do that, but given that we have already heard from witnesses previously, I have not automatically scheduled those people. I think that is understandable for people who were here in the Thirty-ninth Parliament. Those who were not here in the Thirty-ninth Parliament are at a little disadvantage in that regard.
I am sure we will hear all the arguments we need to hear from our witness, Senator Grafstein, a senator from Toronto, Ontario. He has been a member of the Senate since 1984 and brings a great deal of experience to the table.
Hon. Jerahmiel S. Grafstein, sponsor of the bill: Mr. Chair, thank you, and thank you for taking your time on this bill. I would ask you at the outset to make the previous hearings part of the record of this particular bill. There has been no change in the information; it is the same.
I ask for a motion from the committee, with the consent of all members, that the transcripts of the previous hearings form part of these transcripts to give a full and complete record of the history of this bill and the materials in support of it, including private sector intervenors.
The Chair: I will deal with that right now. Honourable senators, is that agreeable? Do I have a motion to that effect?
Everyone is moving it.
All in favour?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: It is carried.
Senator Grafstein: Honourable senators, I will be brief.
This bill did not originate with me or any member of the Senate. This bill came to me as chair of the Banking Committee when the Banking Committee did a study on charities. It was to be a two-part study: one to look charities as a whole and the other to look at the administrative surveillance of charities. The second part of that study was not completed, but the first part was. Those of you interested in the question of charities who would like further information will find it in the report and in the extensive hearings we had.
One of the issues that arose out of those hearings was a suggestion made by groups representing philanthropy across Canada, the professional philanthropy associations, which urged the committee to institute National Philanthropy Day and they selected the date of November 15.
I know Senator Champagne has been following this issue for some time. If she wants more information, I urge her to look at that study and the transcript of that hearing. Senator Champagne will find a very extensive review of this particular question.
This bill emerged as a recommendation from the national philanthropy associations representing some 81,000 at the time; I think the number is now closer to 90,000.
By the way, it was unanimous; no one dissented. Since that time we have been urged to continue this particular bill. It did not come from me or the Banking Committee. The bill came from the volunteer sector, urging us to help them with their work. They felt that November 15, toward the end of the year, would be a potent way of raising even more money on behalf of charity.
Honourable senators, imagine if just raising your right hand or saying yes, that you could provide an economic stimulus package that would provide jobs and help social services, including health, sports, education, culture and arts. Imagine that you could do this at no cost to the taxpayer. Would you do that? The chair has said he would do that.
This bill gives honourable senators the opportunity to do exactly that. We all know that the volunteer sector is practically the largest enterprise in Canada. It now represents close to 7 per cent of the GDP. It raises over $10 billion a year and creates over 2 billion hours a year and the equivalent of 1 million full-time jobs.
If we did a little mathematics, we could create, by a very conservative analysis, 20,000 new jobs in the country, just by raising our hands, at no cost to the taxpayer.
The question is not why, with respect to supporting this bill, but why not. I cannot see any particular reason why not. It costs the taxpayer nothing. It creates jobs. It gives people faith and confidence in themselves. It would be an extraordinary measure at a time when Canadians across the country are feeling the pinch. I have checked your records, if you will forgive me; every senator in this room, and particularly the most esteemed chair, has been engaged in the volunteer sector. Not one Senator around this room has not encouraged others to participate in the volunteer sector. In a way, you all have a conflict of interest, by providing your sector this bill. I hope you will declare your interest and then vote in favour of this bill. I see no reason whatsoever why this bill should not be supported.
I say this because there is something systemic about the Senate. The Senate has been given a penetrating glimpse into the obvious. Genius is defined, Senator Raine, as a penetrating glimpse into the obvious. When there is something so obvious in front of us, I cannot understand why senators would not enthusiastically take this upon themselves.
People think that I want some credit for this bill. I do not look for credit. The credit would go to the Senate, which led the way on this issue. Right now, the argument can be made that the Senate is dragging its feet, because this simple measure has been before the Senate for well over four years.
Many of you know that I am persistent, consistent and constant. I hope that this measure will proceed with the material and the evidence we have in front of us. There were two hearings, one very extensive and one reasonably extensive, and now this one.
I hope we will pass this bill once again, as we did unanimously in a previous session of Parliament, and move it to the other place and get it through the other house before there is an election. If we do not do this, some unlikely person will have to take up the task, probably Senator Mercer, who has been a great supporter of this bill, sometime next year when I will not be around and you will not have me to ignore any longer.
Hon. Senators: Oh!
Senator Grafstein: I hope you will deal with this expeditiously. I am prepared to answer each question because it is important to put to rest any doubts senators might have about any negative consequences of this bill. I see no negative consequences; I see only positive consequences.
The Chair: I mentioned that the previous bill, with another number, on this matter was here and passed the Senate. It went to the House of Commons. It was on the house agenda when the election was called. That is why it is back here again.
Senator Grafstein: I would add that we have on the other side — Senator Mercer and I have been working on this — the makings of an all-party group that we believe, if it were approved here, would fast-track it in the other place. We have found no objection to the bill so far on the other side. It might occur, but we are working with all parties on the other side to expedite this bill when it receives third reading from the Senate. We are all set to go.
The Chair: Many people in our population consider philanthropy it as the equivalent of giving money, but it is more than that. Can you expand on the notion of philanthropy?
Senator Grafstein: Senator Champagne pointed out in her speech, which was very interesting and thoughtful, that national philanthropy impulses started in the 1943 in the midst of the war. It was national philanthropy week or national charity week. I am not sure of the exact title. It is interesting that during the war, at the precise moment when the taxpayers were stretched, that Canadians felt it was important to highlight charity at home.
Canada is a very charitable country. I have statistics to indicate that every province participates in philanthropy. The highest per capita giving, believe it or not, in the country is Nunavut. We find that Manitoba consistently has led the way, year after year. Ontario is not far behind. We had a discussion before the hearing with some senators about the Americans. The Americans give more than three times per capita than we give, but there is a rationale for that. The argument is made, and I believe it is valid, that Canadians like to transfer their personal responsibilities to the government and sometimes we do not give as much as the Americans do because we expect our governments to do more. However, our numbers are staggering. When you think about it, there are 2 billion volunteer hours a year. It is not just money. People give up their time. Senator Eggleton was a mayor and he is aware of the hundreds of co-ops and other organizations where people cannot afford to give money and they give of their time. National Philanthropy Day is not just about giving money. It is essential, but it is also about giving time.
I can give you an intolerably long list of volunteer organizations where people who have come to me, particularly in the mental health field, and say they cannot give their time but are prepared to help. When it comes to older people, they are prepared to go to an old age home and volunteer. The senator and I have been active in Toronto. Everywhere we go, in every piece of activity we undertake, whether political or whatever, we come across vibrant charitable organizations.
As an example, Regent Park in Toronto started with high aspirations of being a great social housing project. It deteriorated. There is a revival of Regent Park today. I was there not long ago. People are moving back into Regent Park and volunteering their services.
I find it particularly appalling the lack of organized sports. Under our educational system in Ontario, as across the country, there are no organized sports after high school, such as football or basketball teams. To have those sports parents and other volunteers must do the work. This applies to extracurricular music programs as well. The volunteer sector not only gives money but also heralds and publicizes the efforts of individuals who give their time.
Senator Callbeck: Thank you, senator, for bringing forward this positive initiative. As you say, it bears no negatives. You mentioned that it will not cost the taxpayer but will create jobs. It has the potential to do a great deal of good. Does November 15 have particular significance?
Senator Grafstein: Yes. We talked about this but I am not sure if it was in the testimony before this committee. Senator Mercer will recall that we asked why November 15 was chosen and the response was that year end is December 31 when the final tax payment must be in. Every charity does more than 50 per cent of its charitable giving in the last quarter because people look at their year when determining how much they will donate. The pressure is on those charitable groups to make up for the entire year. We have all been through trying to get it done before the end of the year. You have a shortfall on the budget and everyone pushes that.
November 15 does not interfere with the Christmas season, where December 15 would interfere. There was a rationale for choosing that date. In my experience, charities always have that final push in the last quarter.
Senator Callbeck: A witness who appeared before us at the committee's last meeting said that the value of charitable gifts was growing but the number of gifts was decreasing. Can the federal government do anything to inspire more people to contribute, not only money but also time?
Senator Grafstein: Based on our recommendation in terms of money, the federal government provided strong representation that the charitable donation model should be changed so that people could give stock as well as dollars. As a result, there was a huge increase in charitable giving. You will find other suggestions for the federal government in the report.
Every charity and every association will be pushing and publicizing November 15. Senator Champagne asked what more we have to do. The groups will do the work. They are connected. They are all on the Internet. The thing will be publicized. People have to volunteer their time to raise the money, so it will increase the number of people and hours.
I have been to three major charitable events in Toronto in the last two weeks, for the Toronto General Hospital, for Bridgepoint Hospital and tonight for Mount Sinai Hospital. Each hospital is down 10 per cent to 15 per cent in donations received because of the economy. My wife tells me that they have to work twice as hard to get people to volunteer. They are suffering so we need a stimulus package for charities. This is our stimulus package to give them an extra bump up to get them to work harder. These are tough times.
Senator Eaton: Senator Grafstein, I must respectfully disagree with you on some things. There is nothing wrong with a national philanthropy day. I think that Canadians do not put enough emphasis on Canadian holidays, such as Canada Day and Remembrance Day, days that would bring us closer together.
What worries me about your bill is that it is just another day. How many days do we have in the calendar? We are building these expectations of creating a lot of jobs when perhaps we need more trained development people.
Do you have any thoughts about it being just another day in the calendar year that will be seen once or twice and then will fade?
Senator Grafstein: I am Jewish. I have more days in the year to celebrate than Catholics. I celebrate every Catholic holiday. I have my favourite saints. I celebrate more days than you can shake a stick at. Does that diminish my activities or efforts? No, it intensifies them. You have to be a 24-7 kind of person 52 weeks per year. These days make me do more. I have the opposite view. A day like this would cause people to do more.
You are right in saying that we are not as patriotic as we should be or sensitive to our history as we should be. I accept that. I do not think one should diminish the other. We need to have more days of celebration. If we had something to celebrate each and every day, it would be great for Canada, but I take your point.
Senator Eaton: Do we have a national volunteer day? Volunteers built this country. From the earliest days, people were helping to fight fires, teach children, build hospitals, et cetera. Do we have a national volunteer day?
Senator Grafstein: That was the point made by Senator Champagne.
Senator Eaton: I did not even know that, and I spent my life volunteering.
Senator Grafstein: They have not done a good job of publicizing national volunteer week. Perhaps we should have a national volunteer week bill.
Senator Cordy: Thank you, Senator Grafstein, for bringing this bill back again and again. It is a great idea. One of the positive things is that it will educate Canadians. We all hear about people in our provinces who donate the millions of dollars but it is important for Canadians to realize that if you donate your $20 or your time, you too are a philanthropist. That is important to remember.
[Translation]
Senator Champagne: Since I have been asked on several occasions, I feel obliged to take part in the debate. You are right to say that when we examined the bill the last time and in the other house, I was opposed to it, probably for the same reasons, more or less, as the ones given by Senator Eaton. My position has changed, but as I indicated during my last speech in the House, I still think that there are certain elements lacking in this very simple bill. I have worked a lot on it. For instance, I think it is important to indicate how this day will be marked. There are a number of different possibilities and ways of doing so.
I would like to propose an amendment to the bill. Perhaps we will see that things will progress more quickly when the bill makes its way to the other house. I realize, as all of you do, that this is what Senator Grafstein is hoping for. This is the amendment that I would like to propose.
[English]
I will go into English now because this is where they are. First, line 14, in the preamble.
The Chair: Can we do this later, senator, when we get into the clause-by-clause study? The formal motion can be moved at that time. If you would like to give us an inclination of where you want to go and get a reaction from Senator Grafstein, that is appropriate at this point. However, the actual moving of the amendment will come when we go to clause-by-clause.
Senator Champagne: Senator Grafstein, I suggest that in the preamble, the date of November 15 be mentioned right away. In clause 2, I would like to suggest how the National Philanthropy Day should be declared and suggest something that could be done. Those are the two amendments that I will suggest, when the time comes.
I would like to return to the volunteer week. It started during the war to recognize the contribution of women on the home front during the war. That is when we first started it.
When we do celebrate this day — as I hope that we will and that it will become an official day as we should encourage people to give of their money and their time —— it also important to say thank you to people who have given their money and time. I think that we can also use this as a thank you to those people who have given throughout the year. There are ways that we can make this work quickly, if you are willing to help me.
Senator Grafstein: I look forward to anything that the senator thinks would improve the bill and facilitate an approval on the other side. I am certainly open-minded about any changes. Frankly, I welcome them.
I disagree with the senator's second point, but it is up to the committee to decide. I believe that if you give of your money and time, that is good enough for me. In other words, I thank myself when I give of my time and my money.
My wife certainly gives her time and money, and she cringes when people thank her for that. She thinks that her reward is the action itself. I come from a faith that has a hierarchy of eight forms of giving. The highest form of giving is the anonymous gift of either time or energy, where you are thanked by the act itself.
Having said that, if the senator can make some suggestions to the bill that would deal with her approach to this, I have no problem with that.
[Translation]
Senator Champagne: You can rest assured, Senator Grafstein, that that is not part of the amendment that I am proposing. I am merely trying to come up with a definition, a meaning for "Philanthropy Day''. However, this is not part of what I was proposing earlier. There is no need for you to be concerned.
[English]
Senator Mercer: Thank you for indulging me today. While I am not a member of the committee, I have great interest in this bill.
Senator Champagne's suggestion of adding the November 15 date in the bill is probably a very positive one.
Senator Grafstein: It is in the bill, section 3.
Senator Mercer: Senator Champagne wants to put it in the preamble. In about 18 communities across the country, there are already celebrations that happen on November 15. In some provinces, it happens in multiple cities.
I refer colleagues — and I will be speaking about it this afternoon in the chamber — to the Special Committee on Aging. In our report that was tabled a week ago, we talked about the 12 million Canadians who contribute about 2 billion hours of volunteer time each year.
In our report, we concentrate on the aging side of that. However, we also recommended — and this goes to something that Senator Champagne indicated in her previous speech — that there be a further study on volunteers in Canada, indeed perhaps a special Senate committee on volunteerism. I think that is a recommendation that all of us can pursue.
The other quick issue is that when we finished this the last time and we moved it over to the House, not only did we have all-party support, it was actually on the agenda for the very final day of the session. We had all-party agreement. Then when the Speaker of the House asked if he had unanimous consent, some member of Parliament who had not been paying attention to what his colleagues were doing said no.
The member did not intend for the bill not to pass, but once that person had said that, you could not put the toothpaste back in the tube. We were that close to getting the bill passed. We had support from all four parties.
The celebration is already going on. This will be the icing on the cake and will draw attention in all of those communities where we do not have those celebrations, is that correct?
Senator Grafstein: Yes. Sometimes senators do not understand their own power. Our power is the ability to change words into law. Once you change a word into a law, it takes on a deeper significance, because Canadians are very active citizens. They believe in the law. When Parliament opines, it moves something from debate to acceptability.
This is a horrendous example, but I use it. We had tremendous debate in this country about the Charter. Some corners of the country were against it — not just Quebec, but other corners of the country; other premiers were against it.
After it passed into law, the Charter is now, under the last polls I have seen, the most acceptable institution in Canada. About 88 per cent of the Canadian public believe in the Charter. In Quebec, it went from 44 per cent or 38 per cent up to over 80 per cent. It was the same in places like Manitoba, where there was opposition to it.
The very fact that Parliament opines and passes a law automatically elevates it into a higher order of acceptance, and gives it credibility and legitimacy. Law is important.
I was asked by some members opposite to change this from this bill to a declaration. That is why I said no. A declaration is a moment in time; a law is permanent.
The Chair: That completes my list of speakers and questioners. If there is nothing further in that regard, we can proceed to clause-by-clause consideration.
Is it agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-217?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: I will go through the normal process. We are now distributing the amendments that Senator Champagne wishes to move, which she mentioned previously. By my calculation, they will come under "shall clause 2 carry,'' when I get to that part. That is one of them.
The other one is "shall the preamble carry.'' That is where the second one would arise. Is that correct? They are just being distributed now.
Senator Mercer: It would be the opposite. The first one is in the preamble.
The Chair: Yes, but according to the ritual of adopting a bill, they come up in that order. Here is the standard procedure for adoption of a bill. The first part of it is: Shall the title stand postponed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Carried. Shall the preamble stand postponed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Carried.
Shall clause one, which contains the short title, stand postponed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Carried.
Shall clause 2 carry? That is where the first amendment comes into play.
Clause 2 states:
Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 15th day of November shall be known as "National Philanthropy Day''.
Senator Champagne: The amendment states:
The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages shall make a declaration that the 15th day of November in each and every year be recognized throughout Canada as "National Philanthropy Day.''
The Chair: The amendment states:
The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages shall make a declaration that the 15th day of November in each and every year be recognized throughout Canada as "National Philanthropy Day.''
That is the suggested mechanism for implementing the act. It is still an act but it would be implemented by the minister on that day.
Is there any discussion of that amendment?
Senator Champagne: It would also allow for a little publicity. When a declaration is made it makes the bill special. This is the suggestion that I have put forward. The bill will remain intact but will also have the minister make something special of it.
Senator Cordy: I have never seen this in a bill before. I have never seen a minister make a declaration to enact the bill. That would be automatic, would it not?
The Chair: The act would be in place. It states that day is National Philanthropy Day. What is being suggested is that the minister makes a declaration to that effect.
Senator Pépin: Yes, shall have to make a statement.
The Chair: It says that it replaces lines 4 to 26. I am looking at a bill that does not have line numbers. I take it that it is a replacement for this?
Senator Champagne: For clause 2 of the bill.
The Chair: Does that then put it into the hands of the minister?
Senator Cordy: I wonder why what is currently in the bill would not be sufficient. If you can answer the question for me, that is fine. I have never seen that before and I do not know the necessity for it.
The Chair: If this was done in addition to this wording, but you are not suggesting that, you are suggesting it as a replacement.
Senator Cordy: I have just never seen that before and I do not see the necessity of it. If we pass the bill, then November 15 is National Philanthropy Day. I do not see the necessity for saying that the minister would make a declaration. If the minister wants to speak afterwards, when the bill is passed, that would be a wonderful idea. Maybe others have seen this in a bill before; I have not.
The Chair: I think the concern is what are the implications or ramifications. This is the first time we have seen it. We can vote on it or defer it, if you want to get more information on the ramifications of the substituting of those words?
Senator Mercer: I like the idea of the minister being involved but it seems that it is redundant when the bill itself declares November 15 National Philanthropy Day. It would be obvious to me that the Minister of Canadian Heritage should be excited about that and should do something about it. To put it in the bill seems to be redundant.
The Chair: An alternative would be to move part of it as an addition, the underlined part. You could leave the wording as it is and say "and that the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages shall make a declaration to that effect.''
Senator Mercer: That makes sense.
The Chair: Do you want to do it that way? That way you keep the bill as it is and then you add on "shall make a declaration to that effect.'' In other words, the words that are underlined.
Senator Cook: Would the Library of Parliament researcher have an opinion on this, or the clerk of the committee?
The Chair: They do not deal with the legal aspects of these things, just with policy.
Senator Cook: I would like conformity of legislation. Senator Cordy says that she has never seen it before in a bill.
Senator Cordy: Have you ever seen it before?
Senator Cook: I would like to have someone's opinion.
Senator Cordy: Have you seen it before?
Senator Cook: No, I have never seen it before but I also have no problem of taking that out and putting this amendment in.
Senator Eaton: Are we saying that the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages shall make a declaration every single year?
The Chair: Yes.
Senator Cordy: Yes.
Senator Callbeck: Yes.
Senator Eaton: If so, that advertises it. It promotes it, if anything.
The Chair: Yes, but the problem comes in striking out the words that are here. Some people, including myself, are not sure about the implication of striking out the words that are there. If you left the words that are there and added on "the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages shall make a declaration to that effect,'' then I think you can be safer on that.
Senator Grafstein: Do you want my comments?
The Chair: If you want to comment, please do so.
Senator Grafstein: I have no objection to the latter suggestion which is you make it clear that it is the law and then you add clause 3 "the minister shall make a declaration,'' as well, so you have both. I think the purpose is to depoliticize this, not to politicize it. I accept what Senator Eaton says that if this adds more beef to the matter you have the better of two worlds. There is a clear declaration of law and it then compels the minister of the day to deal with it.
My suggestion is to leave clause 2 as it is and then add clause 3, which would state "the minister shall make a declaration,'' so we have both so it is clear. One is not diminished by the other and people can chose what they want.
The Chair: I have on the floor the amendment of Senator Champagne and I have a subamendment to that amendment that suggests that, instead of deleting what is there in clause 2 we add this as clause 3. I will take that subamendment first, if honourable senators are ready for that.
All those in favour of the subamendment, which is to add it on as clause 3?
Senator Raine: I have a question, because you say "the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages,'' over the years departments change names and ministers change names.
Senator Mercer: It will change to whatever they have changed the title to.
Senator Grafstein: Whenever they change a department, they come in with a bill which is called "consequential amendments'' and they will then take the word and change it automatically in all applicable statutes. It happens over and over again.
Senator Mercer: We cannot anticipate what the name will be.
Senator Eaton: Does the minister announce other holidays ahead of time?
Senator Grafstein: All the time.
Senator Eaton: This is just common knowledge, then.
Senator Grafstein: It is exactly what you say. It compels the minister to do more than just ignore it.
Senator Eaton: Does the minister announce National Volunteer Week, for instance?
The Chair: Yes, the minister makes that announcement.
Senator Cordy: When I read it here, it says that he shall declare it one time. Are we saying it should be every year?
The Chair: It says in "each and every year.''
Senator Cordy: Yes, but the declaration is the "15th day in November in each and every year.'' It is not saying that he announces it in each and every year. There is a difference, but it does not matter to me.
The Chair: It says the following:
The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages shall make a declaration that the 15th day of November in each and every year be recognized throughout Canada as "National Philanthropy Day''.
That covers it.
Senator Grafstein: Nothing prevents him from doing it each and every year.
The Chair: I would think that is the intent here, and they would understand it that way. It does not change clause 2. That becomes clause 3.
All those this favour? Contrary, if any?
That is carried.
Shall clause 2, carry as amended?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall clause 1, which contains the short title, carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Now we will do the preamble, and that is the other motion from Senator Champagne. It says:
(a) adding after line 14 on page 1 the following:
Whereas through the dedicated work of caring individuals and organizations, November 15th has come to be known throughout Canada as National Philanthropy Day;
(b) replacing lines 17 and 18, on page 1 with the following:
giving by recognizing National Philanthropy Day;
Therefore, the words would be the following: "Whereas it is important to honour all Canadians who demonstrate the spirit of giving by recognizing National Philanthropy Day . . .''
How do you feel about that? I do not think that is a major change. It gets that "'whereas'' about November 15.
I am not sure of the purpose behind the second one, Senator Champagne.
Senator Champagne: We can say, at least, that we did not pick November 15 out of a hat; it "has come to be known throughout Canada as,'' and so on.
The Chair: I am not asking about that one; that one is clear. I am asking about the next one, (b). What is the purpose behind that amendment?
Senator Champagne: It already existed in a way, but there was nothing official about it. Now we are recognizing National Philanthropy Day.
The Chair: That is the purpose of the act. We are taking out the words, "creating a national day of recognition of their efforts,'' and putting in the words, "giving by recognizing National Philanthropy Day.''
Senator Raine: It is just a recognition that many people have already been doing this, and it would seem heavy handed for government to come in and create a day that is already in existence in many areas. It makes it official by recognizing it as opposed to creating it. Others have created it.
The Chair: Are you ready for to question, or do you have any more questions or comments about these two amendments? They do not appear to be substantive amendments. They tidy it up, so I should not say they are not substantive. They do not appear to detract from any of the provisions in here.
Are you ready for the question?
First of all amendment (a), adding to line 14 as you see it there, is that agreed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Carried; and amendment (b), is that agreed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Carried.
Shall the preamble as amended carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall the title carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall the bill as amended carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Does the committee wish to consider appending observations to the report? No?
Is it agreed that I report this bill as amended with no observations to the Senate?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Carried.
That is the end of it. We have dealt with National Philanthropy Day, Bill S-217, and thank you very much, Senator Grafstein.
Senator Grafstein: Mr. Chair and members of the committee, God thanks you; she really appreciates your work.
The Chair: We will move on to Bill S-210, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day.
I invite Senator Munson, who is the sponsor of the bill, to join us at the table together with other people that we have slated to speak: Ms. Mawlam, Mr. Bortolotti, Ms. Provost and Ms. Lanthier.
I should explain to the new members of the committee that the subject of autism is not a strange subject to this committee. A couple of years ago, we dealt with an autism study at the committee. We put out a report on this subject, after hearing from many people involved in the community. The report was published in March 2007 in the first session of the Thirty-ninth Parliament and was called, Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis, and a number of recommendations were made at that time. We submitted the report to the Senate. It was adopted by the Senate and submitted to the government for consideration.
Today, we are dealing with autism once again, but this time in the context of a World Autism Awareness Day.
Senator Munson is from Ontario and also New Brunswick. He originated the resolution with respect to the this committee's study on autism in the Thirty-ninth Parliament, and he is the sponsor of this bill.
Hon. Jim Munson, sponsor of the bill: Thank you, chair, and senators. It is wonderful to be here on this long and arduous voyage, but it is all worthwhile. It is great to be here with leaders in the autistic community. We are speaking with a voice that we hope will resonate across the country and that action will take place.
[Translation]
I am very pleased to be here today. I feel as if I have embarked on a very long journey and that this is an important stop along the way.
[English]
As the sponsor of Bill S-210, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day, today is the culmination of work I started shortly after being appointed to the Senate. For the last four years, working on behalf of people with autism, autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, and their families has given me a sense of focus that has enriched my experience as a senator with meaning and purpose.
I will not spend my limited time today going over the facts of autism — the growing number of affected children and families, the urgent need for services and support and the inequities that exist across the country. Many of you already know these facts from the inquiry this committee conducted in March 2007, which resulted in the Senate report, Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis.
We all worked hard and learned a great deal during that inquiry. There are still many recommendations in the report that need to be put in place. Today we are here to talk about World Autism Awareness Day and why Canada should have a law to mark April 2 as the day we recognize it.
It is quite simple. We need this day because we need to raise awareness. We need to provide opportunities for Canadians to come together around a common cause. Autism is a condition that affects families everywhere, in big cities and small towns from Newfoundland and Labrador, to the North and all the way to Tofino and the Queen Charlotte Islands. To have a national day we recognize that ASD is a national problem, and we validate the people who have autism, who love people with autism, who care for people with autism, and who work on behalf of people with autism — people like the other witnesses this morning.
One thing we heard during the inquiry into autism was the sense of isolation that people and families with ASD feel. Social isolation is, of course, one of the principal characteristics of autism. This condition also isolates the families and friends around the person with ASD.
A person with ASD requires constant care. This often means that in two-parent families, one person stays at home full time and looks after the child with autism. This parent has a heavy burden and, given the nature of the condition, lives in isolation. Birthday parties, playgroups, play dates, trips to the library or the mall, and even an afternoon in the park can be exhausting and demanding outings. The cost of care, much of which is not covered by provincial programs, may require that the family earner take on a second job. This means more isolation and more family stress. As many of you know, families are breaking apart. The load of ASD is too much to bear alone.
Declaring April 2 World Autism Awareness Day will not change that day-to-day reality. However, I feel strongly that it sends out a message. It says to these children and their families, "You are not alone.'' We might never fully understand the isolation that a person with ASD feels, but we can imagine a little of what it might be like — the frustration, fear and anxiety. We can imagine the isolation of the people who care for and love people with ASD. While we have much more to do to help them in a substantive way, as Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis recommends, in the meantime, we can say through World Autism Awareness Day that we care, we are here, we want to help and we want to understand.
The legislative journey for Bill S-210 has been enlightening for me as a senator. I learned that autism is affecting people all over the world. It is estimated that tens of millions have autism worldwide. Countries everywhere are taking action. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. has declared autism a serious public issue. President Barack Obama promised to appoint what he refers to as an "autism czar'' to oversee and coordinate a nationwide response. He promised to build on the Combating Autism Act, which provides $108 million for research, and he promised full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which would expand funding for life- long services for Americans with ASD.
The day that we can say the Government of Canada is devoting more funding for ASD treatment, services and research will indeed be a happy day and especially the day when we have a national autism strategy to pull together the disparate efforts that exist across the country. A national autism strategy would help us to be more effective and coordinated in our support for families with ASD. In the meantime, like the countries of Bahrain, Australia, Spain, Qatar, Panama and 187 other United Nations members, we can recognize April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
Last April 2, the Minister of Health issued a press release announcing a ministerial declaration making April 2 World Autism Awareness Day. Certainly, this is a positive development but in no way do I believe that this should take the place of legislation. Passing this bill will mean that a statute will declare April 2 World Autism Awareness Day. A bill, because it is the result of a legislative process, is an expression of Canada's democratic will and values as a nation. It will be the result of consultation, collaboration and listening, as this committee has done, and of careful study and thoughtful debate. A bill will reflect the will of a nation — an act voted upon by legislators who represent the regions and citizens of this country. This bill means much more than the declaration of a single minister.
I hope that committee members will give this bill its full support. I thank you for your attention and consideration and I will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Laurie Mawlam, Executive Director, Autism Canada Foundation: It is an honour and privilege to be here on behalf of the Autism Canada Foundation to speak to Bill S-210, respecting World Autism Awareness Day. When I first read the bill with all of the "Whereas'' in the preamble, what came to mind was, "they nailed it.'' It is brilliantly worded, factually accurate and desperately needed. Designating by law April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day puts a powerful spotlight for attention and awareness to shine on the disorder each year. It will give my organization the opportunity to reflect on where we have come from, where we are today, and where we need to go.
I will touch on three points. First, I will speak to the prevalence of this disorder. It says in the preamble that worldwide the number of diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders is growing. This is true. You need only to look at the past. I will read a couple of quote that I brought with me today. The first is by Leo Kanner, who put autism disorder syndrome in the medical literature in 1943. He wrote:
Since 1938, there have come to our attention a number of children whose condition differs so markedly and uniquely from anything reported so far, that each case merits — and, I hope, will eventually receive — a detailed consideration of its fascinating peculiarities.
He had been watching autism for twenty years when in 1958 he wrote a second paper. Here is a quote from that paper:
The fact that an average not more than eight patients per year (over twenty years) could be diagnosed with reasonable assurance as autistic in the centre serving as a diagnostic clearinghouse, speaks to the infrequency of the disease, especially if one considers that they recruit themselves from all over the North American continent.
Prior to 1980, the prevalence was 2 to 5 in 10,000. Where are we today? In 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published an "autism alarm'' acknowledging the current rate of autism as 1 in 166. Three years later in 2007, the new data released was 1 in 150.
You would expect that at the rate of 1 in 150, we would be doing much more. Why are we not doing more? We hear reasons such as diagnostic substitution in that we are calling it something else. It has always been there. We still have those other disorders and the numbers are not increasing like the numbers for autism spectrum disorder are increasing. Another reason has been: "It is just easier to get the label. I will explain later.'' That is not the answer either. It has always been there at that frequency means that there is a horde of undiagnosed individuals throughout the adult population. That is a testable hypothesis that has been tested and found to be untrue.
In the 2009 in the Journal of Epidemiology, a respected medical journal, the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute looked at the first two reasons. The institute found that the seven-fold to eight-fold increase in the numbers of children born in California since 1990 cannot be explained by the changes in either how the condition is diagnosed or how it is counted, and the trend is showing no sign of abating.
In March 2009, academics in the U.K. announced that as many as 1 in 60 children are diagnosed with this disorder. Less than one month ago, the Wall Street Journal Digital Network carried a story that said:
The prevalence of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
We need prevalence numbers from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Why? This leads to my second point: We need to plan. There are fundamental things that need to happen to understand how to plan, and surveillance is number one. This is a chance for our federal government to take a leadership role in looking after the epidemiology and the surveillance of this disorder, and we are not doing it. This bill will draw a light on this every year until it starts to happen.
I would like to share an example of how autism organizations are starting to work together. I had the privilege of speaking here during the last committee hearings and the honourable chair asked how we were different.
It was an "ah-ha'' moment for me. I have come to realize we are not different. We are all the same. We all service, support and advocate for the autism community that we deeply care about. What is different is that we have different niches.
In the summer of 2007, the Autism Canada Foundation spearheaded the Canadian ASD Alliance. Today, these seven organizations sit on the steering committee: Autism Canada Foundation, Autism Society Canada, Autism Treatment Services of Canada, Autism Speaks Canada, the Geneva Centre for Autism and the two research consortiums.
Our mission is to work in partnership with the federal government to develop a national autism strategy and ensure that it is implemented. We believe that Canadians living with an ASD should have full and equal access to resources that they require to reach their full potential. We look beyond our niches to work together.
We are currently examining future activities and ways to expand membership. We see the benefit of working together not only amongst ourselves but with everyone interested in the individuals diagnosed with autism and their families.
In summary, a World Autism Awareness Day gives everyone touched by autism the opportunity to pause, reflect and see how similar we are. It allows us to come together and unite for a cause we all believe in. I pray that Bill S-210 is passed into law just as it is presented today.
The Chair: In among the organizations we have here today, we have an individual as well. John Bortolotti is a student at Canterbury High School in Ottawa. He has been advocating on behalf of autism issues while doing charity work with Autism Speaks Canada. Mr. Bortolotti has raised over $15,000 for local autism charities. He has been honoured by the United Way of Ottawa. Welcome, Josh. The floor is yours.
Josh Bortolotti, as an individual: Honourable senators and guests, it is an honour and a pleasure to speak with you today and to share my views on Bill S-210, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day. I want to thank Senator Munson for his continued leadership in bringing attention to autism at the federal government level.
My name is John Bortolotti. I am 15 years of age and I live in Ottawa. I have a baby sister named Sophia. She will be turning eight in a few days, and she has autism.
I have given many speeches and done many presentations about autism and how it has impacted my world as a son and a brother. I talk about Sophia, how hard she has worked with therapists and teachers, and how much I want her to continue to grow and learn and be happy.
When I make these speeches, I try to be as mature as I possibly can, but if you let me be a 15 year-old for one brief moment, I need to be a teenager and talk like a teenager to make a very important point.
To have April 2 declared as World Autism Awareness Day in Canada is, and I say this with the greatest respect to all of you, a no-brainer. Two years ago, Autism Speaks, the leading autism organization in the world, worked hard with representatives from the United Nations to have World Autism Awareness Day declared. This UN resolution is only one of three official disease-specific United Nations days and in only two years has brought the world's attention to autism.
As some of you know, I one day hope to be Prime Minister of Canada. I am very proud to be Canadian. I know we live in the best country in the world and it is time that Canada shows real leadership when it comes to the issue of autism.
This past April 2 I was here on Parliament Hill with Sophia handing out information on autism and Autism Speaks puzzle piece pins to MPs and senators, along with Jaden Lake, son of MP Mike Lake, and Robbie Gibbons. They both have autism.
Members of Parliament from all parties wore the pins in the House of Commons and the Senate, and I was very proud. Leaders of all parties wrote letters to support Autism Speaks Canada, paying tribute to the autism community across Canada. MPs Bonnie Crombie and Mike Lake stood up in the house and made statements honouring those with autism and those who work with people with autism. Senator Munson hosted a reception and invited everyone to learn more about how autism affects Canadian families. The Minister of Health made a ministerial declaration recognizing April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in Canada.
Events and activities organized by local autism groups, families and volunteers took place all across Canada, from B.C. to Newfoundland. This bill is another important step in recognizing and honouring the autism community in Canada. Many people ask me why we need a specific day to recognize autism. Families like mine live with autism every day. You could say that World Autism Awareness Day is actually every day.
This day is important for families who live with autism because it makes them feel a part of something, part of a community. For many families, autism is isolating. Going to a restaurant, a park, a mall, things we all take for granted, is hard for some families. It is easier for them to stay at home and not have to deal with looks from strangers, the whispers, the temper tantrums. Feeling like you belong, that you matter, that people will accept you for the way you are is important.
This day is also important for those people who work with kids with autism. This is hard but important work. This day will recognize what they do in providing treatment and changing lives. I have seen this. This day will also bring attention to research. Canada has some of the best researchers in world. We have leaders in global research groups in all areas — genetics, diagnosis, treatments and interventions. We need to continue to support their work. They are trying to find the missing pieces of the puzzle of autism. World Autism Awareness Day will encourage them to keep looking, to keep digging, to keep reaching for the answers.
Most important, this day is important for those who know absolutely nothing about autism, especially for families who do not even know that their babies may have something wrong with them. They need to know about the early warning signs. If they think something might be wrong, they will know where to get help.
There is no cure for autism, so right now the most important thing to do for the kids is to get treatments and interventions as early as possible. This day is important for everyday people so that when they see someone with autism they will understand and be a little more sympathetic to their struggles or understand why this person is acting the way they are.
There was a story in the news a few weeks ago about a teenager who was arrested and put in jail in Newfoundland because the police officer thought he was drunk. This teenager has autism. More awareness, more empathy, more understanding is needed. Having this day will help so much. I do not want to ever see my sister be put in jail because someone did not know she had autism or because she did not talk or walk the way everyone else does.
My family is very lucky. I know that. My sister is considered high functioning. She has worked hard on her speech and language with ABA programs. She goes to a regular school with a support person. There are many other families who are not as lucky as we are, many children with autism who do not receive any support or help and whose children cannot go to regular schools.
Since our family got the news that Sophia has autism, I have done everything I can to learn as much as possible, to pass on what I know to others, and to raise money to support autism charities.
I organize a walk team every year for Autism Speaks Canada, and this past Easter Monday I actually hit my $20,000 mark. As many of you know, I write to every MP and senator to ask for their support as well. Many of you been part of that $20,000, so I thank you.
Whether someone hands me a loonie or a cheque for $100, I walk away from each donation thinking: What if this is the dollar that solves the puzzle, that finds the answers?
Fundraising takes a lot of time and is not the easiest thing to do, especially these days. It is the least I can do for Sophia, who inspires me every day. It is the least I can do for others with autism who I know struggle a lot more than Sophia does.
It is the least I can do for the researchers who are working hard to help us find the causes of autism and how we can diagnose it earlier and what treatments are best. I think having the government officially put into law that we as Canadians recognize April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day is the least we can do.
Autism does not care if you are Liberal, PC, NDP, Bloc or Green. Every MP and senator must stand behind this bill and say, "We want to recognize and honour the autism community in Canada is what is important.''
As I said before, it is really a no-brainer.
[Translation]
Kathleen Provost, Executive Director, Autism Society Canada: Madam Chair, I am the Executive Director of Autism Society Canada. I would like to add to what my colleagues have said. Josh talked at length about the challenges he and Laurie face. Autism Society Canada supports Bill S-210. We are very excited about the prospect of having a World Autism Awareness Day designated, for two reasons. First it would raise awareness of autism and autism spectrum disorders and second, it would demonstrate the leadership of the Government of Canada.
Thirty years ago, our member societies began as small groups of parents getting together around the kitchen table looking for solutions. Together, we have succeeded in getting more information, in finding out what resources are available and in finding solutions. Bill S-210 would empower parents and other concerned individuals with an immediate awareness-raising tool to advocate and educate on behalf of autism.
The first step in raising awareness is education. Josh spoke about this a little. We must educate the public so that children are diagnosed at an early age, have access to treatment and find individualized resources to meet their full potential.
Keep in mind that these children grow up. Autism is a condition that affects individuals across the lifespan: babies, toddlers and children with autism grow up to be adults and seniors with autism. Their needs change, their request for resources change and their priorities will change as well. Therefore, as a society, we must have a better understanding of individuals living with autism. Bill S-210 can help further that understanding.
We can raise awareness of this disorder and help people like Josh or agencies such as ours seek out and mobilize more resources. Agencies and individuals often need to be mobilized and this bill will help us to do just that. Private investment by donors and partners will provide opportunities to explore new territories. We cannot lose sight of that fact.
There are many areas of autism research. Major initiatives have been carried out in Canada. There are resources, but much remains to be done. The need is great, as we have demonstrated to you.
Bill S-210 symbolizes the Canadian government's role as a world leader and pace setter in the search for solutions. For over 30 years, Autism Society Canada has been listening to its members and to its community. Our organization has a broad reach as our member societies work directly with families.
Autism Society Canada provides a national platform to autism. The latter acknowledge that access to services differs from province to province. Gaps in treatment and resources exist. The time has come, therefore, to show leadership.
Bill S-210 would be a critical tool for demonstrating the importance of a national autism strategy.
This bill would be an excellent opportunity for Canada to demonstrate leadership within the international community. Mention was made of the United States and of the United Kingdom, both of which now have innovative autism legislation in place. Bill S-210 calling for a World Autism Awareness Day is a step in the right direction.
This bill would shine the light on autism to rally the community to this cause. Laurie talked about the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance founded two years ago which, despite our particular niches, interests and areas of expertise, has enabled us to work together. Bill S-210 would bring together all of these agencies and individuals, despite their differences, and allow them to continue working together toward a common goal, namely raising Canadians' awareness of the challenges of autism, as Josh does regularly when he talks about his little sister.
Canada could ultimately end up with a national strategy. Bill S-210 would send a strong message to individuals living with autism or an autism spectrum disorder. Canada is committed to making autism a priority. Thus, on April 2 each year the real goal of World Autism Awareness Day would be to raise Canadians' awareness, to mobilize them to assist in knowledge development for individuals living with autism or an autism spectrum disorder. The bill would further our understanding of the challenges these individuals and their familiar face and perhaps improve their lives.
The time has come to take action to increase autism awareness. What better way than with Bill S-210!
[English]
Suzanne Lanthier, Executive Director, Autism Speaks Canada: I am conscious of the time and of the fact that my colleagues have gotten to the meat of the matter, so I will not repeat everything they said. I do want to spend a few seconds to thank Senator Munson for his leadership in continuing to bring autism to the forefront at the federal government level. I do not quite know what we would do without Senator Munson, and we are very appreciative of his hard work.
I am proud to be part of the Canadian ASD Alliance, working hard jointly to unify our voice and to bring attention to autism and the need for a national autism strategy and all that that entails. I am also proud to be part of the organization Autism Speaks, which spearheaded the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day efforts. In two short years, World Autism Awareness Day activities have increased substantially here in Canada, in the United States and across the world. As a matter of act, Bob and Suzanne Wright, the founders of Autism Speaks, just returned from a reception at 10 Downing Street, where we celebrated all of the events and activities that took place in the U.K. We hope that next year they will be here in Canada, celebrating along with us.
Why autism and why is this day necessary? I am thinking about the remarks that the senator made in his presentation. We need a specific day simply for purposes of awareness. In the absence of a cause or cure, early diagnosis and early intervention and treatments proved the best chance for our kids. If this day brings to their attention the fact that their child may be exhibiting some of the early warning signs of autism, then we have done our work. One family is all we need, but we know there will be more than one family.
I also challenge all of you to put on a puzzle piece lapel pin and walk through an airport, a mall, a hotel, go to dinner at a restaurant or go to a meeting and have someone comment on what a puzzle piece means and say the word "autism''. I would hazard a guess that you will likely hear, "Oh, I went to school with . . . , I work with . . . , I know, my son . . . , my daughter . . . , my cousin.'' One in 150 children is diagnosed with autism, but when you translate that into extended family, to colleagues that you work with, to your employers and to teachers, autism is impacting a substantial number of Canadians.
Autism does not go away, as Ms. Provost said. Autism grows up. Typically, children with autism grow up to be adults with autism, and we need to address their needs as well.
In my short time as a professional working in the field of autism, trying to raise money for research and awareness and family services programs, I can say without hesitation that the autism community for the past several years has been quite fractured. I am also a parent of a child who has autism. I have had that feeling continually over the past several years. We are moving more and more away from that condition. It is the goal of Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada to do whatever we can to unify the voice of autism in Canada. We can do far more and be far more effective as a unified voice than we can if we are fighting against each other.
There are differing opinions as to what causes autism; what treatments are more effective; how treatments should be provided; who should fund those treatments; and how to support those in the autism spectrum and their families. It does not matter where a person lives or what that person believes to be the cause of autism, everyone wants his or her child to live a happy and fulfilled life. This is why families with a child with autism are so passionate.
Many families in Canada and all over the world cannot participate in World Autism Awareness Day events. For them, as many of us have noted, autism is a 24-7 job. They are shuffling to appointments and picking up a child from school who has been sent home because he or she cannot be handled. They are arranging doctor's appointments, filling out forms and questionnaires, interviewing therapists, reading up on the latest research and dealing with the second hour of a three-hour meltdown. They are changing the diaper of a 12-year-old or cleaning the feces off the wall of their living room. They are trying to figure out what hurts from someone who cannot speak. They are going to the bank to arrange for another loan or a second mortgage, doing whatever they can to stop their teenager from slamming his or her head against the wall or biting themselves in frustration. To know that others, including Canadians from coast to coast, are honouring their fortitude in bringing attention to autism, and joining with other countries all over the world to heighten awareness of autism, the need for more research, acceptance and awareness is a wonderful step in the right direction.
For families, World Autism Awareness Day is simply about compassion, inclusion and hope.
The Chair: Thank you very much to all of you for your comments, your brevity, and also for the ongoing work that you do to create greater awareness of autism and the challenges that families face.
I am delighted to hear that since we last met, which is when we were dealing with our report, you are talking more about unifying the voice of autism. That is a good move, too.
Of course, we are very appreciative of Senator Munson, as you are, as a champion of this cause. We like to have some champions in the Senate and he is definitely your champion; we know that. There are a few other people here who would support you, too.
[Translation]
Senator Pépin: I want to congratulate you, Mr. Bortolotti, on your leadership in advancing the cause of autism. You came to Parliament Hill, you raised some funds and I congratulate you on your initiative. You told us that you were thinking about becoming prime minister and I believe you possess many of the essential qualities needed to achieve your goal.
Canada does not have a national autism strategy. Even though we signed the 2007 United Nations agreement, we still need some coordinated action because as of today, absolutely nothing has been done.
I was one of a group of senators who conducted a study and produced a report on autism in 2007. We recommended, among other things, that the federal government bring in a strategy and organize conferences. Unfortunately nothing has been done since the report was tabled. We also recommended that Health Canada launch a campaign to raise public awareness of this disorder.
World Autism Awareness Day is a step forward on the road to achieving the objectives that were the focus of our recommendations. Given the efforts of all those affected in one way or another by this disorder, I think that World Autism Awareness Day will give people a great deal of hope.
In conclusion, I want to thank you again, young man, for taking this initiative. I hope that the adoption of this bill will help you realize your goals.
Senator Champagne: I was also a member of this committee when you paid us a visit during the last session and I am very attuned to the problems associated with autism. However, I do have a question: is this bill really the appropriate way of raising awareness and promoting vital research?
After all, the federal government has invested a significant amount of money in autism research. Recently, the Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network at Simon Fraser University received a major injection of research funds. It is important to remember that the provinces and territories are still responsible for autism diagnosis and treatment services, while the job of the federal government is to raise public awareness and to fund research efforts .
Does the government currently recognize World Autism Day? It does. This past April 2, the federal Minister of Health made an official statement in the House acknowledging World Autism Day. Therefore, the government recognizes the need for setting aside one day a year to encourage people to donate and do whatever they can to further autism research.
Since the Minister of Health and the Government of Canada have already official recognized April 2 as World Autism Day, I really do not see any need for legislation. The Minister and the government have already recognized this special day.
This is not to detract from all of the positive feelings and hopes of finding the cause and ways of controlling the effects of autism in children and adults. I am quite willing to work with you, but I do question the need for a bill when April 2 has already been official designated by the Canadian government.
[English]
Senator Munson: I would like to answer that question. Senator, there is no force of law behind a ministerial declaration. A ministerial declaration is good and we applaud it, but life is full of beginnings. This is a lifelong journey for all of us. Recognizing World Autism Awareness Day is part of that journey and part of that beginning.
You talked about Simon Fraser University. I was there about three weeks ago and talked to the young researchers. They discovered that the $1 million chair was not enough to attract a person of excellence for that chair. They have had to reframe the job description. They will find something but they have had to move it to another scale. They really appreciate what is going on, but that tells us that there is a beginning that needs more federal funding.
If we talk about the awareness of it all, let us look at this beginning, this process we are going through now. I look at it as a national issue. There are no borders when it comes to autism. We have put into place a Federal Tobacco Control Strategy, the national Heart Health Strategy, the National Animal Health Strategy, Veterans Affairs Canada Mental Health Strategy, Canadian Diabetes Strategy, and National Crime Prevention Strategy. We have those things.
I look at this as a building block for this group and for all of us. It will give us more recognition and someone else will say let us develop a strategy similar to the strategies that are already in place.
All the national autism groups have said they need a federally led initiative. They do not care who gives out the money. They care about a national knowledge-based centre and a national recognition of chairs of excellence. Only by having this kind of bill enshrined in law do we get the impetus to take another step forward.
Ms. Mawlam: The Public Health Agency of Canada has 200 employees who work on the AIDS virus. We do not even have a division for autism spectrum disorders in our Public Health Agency, and autism is a public health issue. We need surveillance, epidemiology and policy.
Senator Cook: Senator Munson, you have done a wonderful job, and I am glad that you were on our committee that did that study, Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis.
May I recommend that you track the recommendations? It might be a wonderful thing to see how you measure on each day that you celebrate. So often, we add recommendations and that is the last we hear about them. That day would serve to measure your progress as to how well we did and serve as another one of your building blocks.
You will be interested in a new Senate committee report that is coming on population, public health in Canada. This committee is just finishing that report. You will be pleasantly surprised. That report will be published in June.
I fully agree with the full force of the law with this bill because where the United Nations General Assembly designated, now we are giving it strength with this bill to ensure that it is never lost.
It would be a wonderful score card to measure our recommendations against the progress as you go forward.
The Chair: I take it there would not be any disagreement with that from your witnesses.
Senator Callbeck: Thank you all for coming today, for your presentations and for the work that you do with autism. Josh, you are certainly an impressive teenager. Keep up the good work. Senator, I want to thank you for bringing forward this legislation.
Ms. Mawlam, you put some figures here for the U.S. and for the U.K. They are certainly very alarming. You say that the Public Health Agency of Canada does not have any figures.
Ms. Mawlam: That is correct.
Senator Callbeck: Why, in our report, was that not one of the recommendations?
Ms. Mawlam: We do have external figures, but the importance of numbers coming from the Public Health Agency of Canada is that they are accountable. It is ongoing and national. I would like to see this part of our Canada Health Survey.
Even though there have been "bleeps'' done in certain areas across Canada, this must be a national surveillance. The federal government must be accountable, and it must be visible and accessible. That is the difference. We do not want this to be a one-time thing. That is how we can ensure that it is ongoing, namely, when the Public Health Agency of Canada does it.
We do have little surveys here and there, but that is not what we need.
Senator Callbeck: You mentioned about the U.S. and the Centers for Disease Control. How long have they been doing this?
Ms. Mawlam: I do not know the answer to that, but we can find that out.
Senator Munson: In my dissertation, we talked about the Combating Autism Act that happened two years ago in terms of how they are working together and how there is a federal responsibility, which spreads itself out to individual states. I have been in Washington talking to different groups along that line. We see a hand-in-hand approach that is happening in the United States. As I said in my opening remarks, the President is putting it in as a priority.
Whatever government is in power does not matter. What matters is action. I would like to see if we could emulate some of the things that are going on in the United States. It does not take much to think outside the box; it does not take much to break precedent; and it does not much to sit down in a room because we all must be in the same room.
I would encourage the health minister to sit down with his equivalent health ministers in the provinces, along with social and education ministers and say, "Let us take a look at this.''
We dealt with different groups in the past, for example, the intellectually disabled, and came up with great plans of inclusion. It is about the whole play of being inside that room and saying, "Let us have a national strategy.'' I cannot see how anyone can jealously guard his jurisdiction because he cares more about an autistic child. That is all I am asking. This day will help add impetus to that and help us move to that place.
Whatever government takes hold of a national, federally-led national autism strategy, I will applaud and I am sure we all will.
The Chair: That is all I have on my list in terms of speakers or questioners.
If that is it, I will say thank you very much to our witnesses. Thank you for being here. You are now excused.
Perhaps, Senator Munson, you could stay because now the committee will go into clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.
Members of the committee, is it agreed to proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-210?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Carried.
Shall the title stand postponed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Carried.
Shall the preamble stand postponed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Carried.
Shall clause 1, which contains the short title, stand postponed?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall clause 2 carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall clause 1, which contains the short title, carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall the preamble carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall the title carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
The Chair: Shall the bill — there is no amendment — without amendment, carry?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
Senator Champagne: On division.
The Chair: Carried, on division.
Does the committee wish to consider appending observations to the report?
Some Hon. Senators: No.
The Chair: Is it agreed that I report this bill without amendment to the Senate?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
On division?
Senator Champagne: No.
The Chair: All right. Carried.
The bill is now passed.
Do you want a closing comment, Senator Munson?
Senator Munson: Chair, on behalf of the autism community in this country, I would like to say thank you for this next step. There are more to come.
The Chair: Thank you very much, Senator Munson.
Thank you again to all of you who have appeared.
We have now dealt with Bill S-210 and Bill S-217. I will report them both to the Senate, hopefully this afternoon.
(The committee adjourned.)