Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday July 30, 2019
Ford government reversing autism program changes
There’s news today from Queen’s Park that the Ontario government will reverse its direction on the funding of the province’s autism program.
February 16, 2019
This comes after months of protests from parents and an internal review that called for an immediate reset of its strategy.
Todd Smith, the new Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, announced on Monday that the government will move to design a funding program based on the needs of individual children.
Smith says the new program will work within a $600-million budget.
“It’s clear that the Ford government, we didn’t get the re-design right the first time. I’m here to tell you we will now,” said Smith.
“My message to families of children and youth with autism is, we have heard you, and we are taking action,” said Smith. “Our government is committed to a needs-based program that provides children and youth with the supports they need to thrive. Over the past number of weeks, I have met with service providers and families of children with autism who share a common goal to provide the best possible care and make a positive difference in the lives of children and families living with autism in Ontario.” (CTV News)