QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Autism Strategy
October 19, 2023
Senator Gold, as it is Autism Awareness Month, I would be remiss if I did not ask about your government’s progress concerning its legal obligations under Bill S-203, which received Royal Assent earlier this year. This legislation was non‑prescriptive to ensure that the government and stakeholders — including autistic Canadians themselves — were the ultimate authority on what the framework should look like. To that end, the legislation requires the ministry to convene a meeting with stakeholders and provincial counterparts within a year. Of course, that’s in the law. It’s an important part of the legislation because it ensures that autistic Canadians are not left out of drafting the framework.
Senator Gold, can you please tell us where the government — specifically the Ministry of Health — is on this issue? When will it be convening the conference? It is, of course, of interest to everyone in this chamber.
Thank you. I am certainly going to make inquiries about the progress, but I first want to take the opportunity to congratulate you on the work you have done now for decades in support of these important initiatives. Indeed, I will add my voice, if it’s not inappropriate, to support the Giant Steps program to which you alluded and with which my family and I are very familiar.
This is an important question. It’s an important and necessary step — but only the first step — toward providing resources, health and support for those in the autistic community so they can live a fruitful and productive life and, indeed, contribute to society and benefit us with what they have to offer. So, thank you for the question.
As I mentioned, Senator Gold, of course, the legislation is non-prescriptive. We don’t want to handcuff the government, but there are measures needed in terms of putting the framework together. I really want to ask, on behalf of this chamber, that a gentle and polite reminder be sent to the minister that there is a timeline; the time is ticking. The bill was unanimously supported in this chamber and in the House. We will follow this closely and make sure that they follow the guidelines of the bill.
As you properly should. Of course, I’m always gentle and polite with ministers, especially those with whom I’ve had the privilege of working for many years. The current Minister of Health — a former House leader — and I have a good relationship. I would be pleased to mention this to him at the next suitable occasion.
Honourable senators, the time for Question Period has expired.
