By Canadian Press

Liberals must create national autism framework after Tory bill gets unanimous support

Mar 30, 2023 | 10:55 AM

OTTAWA — A bill that commits the government to tabling a federal framework on autism will become law after passing unanimously in the House of Commons this week.

Conservative member of Parliament Mike Lake, a longtime advocate for such a framework, delivered a speech on Wednesday to mark the moment.

Lake spoke about the triumphs and struggles of his child, Jaden, who looked on from the gallery, and discussed the importance of embracing people who have autism.

Conservative MPs gave Lake a standing ovation at the end of his speech, as he turned to blow a kiss to his son.

Tory Sen. Leo Housakos introduced the bill in the Senate in November 2021, and Lake sponsored it in the house with the support of a Liberal MP, Michael Coteau.

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The bill requires the government to table a framework within 18 months that finds ways to improve access to screening, diagnosis and financial support, establish a national research network and fund cross-country awareness campaigns.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2023.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press