PCs Help Push Autism Strategy Bill to Committee Stage After Initial NDP Rejection
WINNIPEG — Progressive Conservatives were proud to stand by Manitoba families this week to support a bipartisan bill to establish the province’s first-ever autism strategy, which advanced to committee stage after a recorded vote Thursday morning.
Bill 232, introduced by MLA Cindy Lamoureux, would require the government to develop a provincial strategy for autism spectrum disorder, whose progress would be tracked through annual reports, to be reviewed and updated every five years.
“The needs of Manitobans with autism and their families deserve to be taken seriously,” said Obby Khan, Leader of the Official Opposition. “Our entire PC team is proud to back MLA Cindy Lamoureux’s bill because it will improve the quality of life for thousands of Manitobans through meaningful, inclusive, and accessible support.”
On Tuesday, the bill was voted down by the NDP because, according to Accessibilities Minister Nahanni Fontaine, “we don’t need legislation” as the work is already being done—which Autism Manitoba says is news to them. On Wednesday, Fontaine flipped her position following public backlash.
“With legislation comes accountability and public input, which the minister does not want,” said Khan. “Had MLA Lamoureux and PCs not called for a recorded vote this morning, and had advocates not raised their voices over the last two days, the NDP were ready to let this bill die.”
According to the Autism Alliance of Canada, between one and two children in every Manitoba classroom have been diagnosed with autism.
“Children are at a crucial developmental stage during school years, and Bill 232 would ensure that students with autism are not just accommodated, but truly supported in reaching their full potential during these formative years,” said Wayne Ewasko, PC Critic for Education and Early Childhood Learning. “As a teacher and guidance counsellor of two decades, I know when neurodivergent students and their families are meaningfully supported and included in the classroom, it makes all the difference.”
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