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GUELPH – Ontario Greens Leader and MPP for Guelph, Mike Schreiner, released the following statement in response to a report that the Ford government failed to meet its target to fund therapies for 8,000 children with autism by the end of autumn
“It is shameful that children with autism are waiting to receive essential therapies while the Ford government continues its pattern of underspending on essential services.
The government’s early attempt to reform the Ontario Autism Program was an unmitigated disaster and now their attempts to clean up the mess they made have also failed.
Parents of children with autism report delays of months as they wait to find out if their child’s therapies will be funded.
Meanwhile, the Financial Accountability Office reports that the government spent $3.5 billion less than expected in the first six months of 2022-23, including $244 million less than what the Ministry of Children, Community and Social had spent Services, which is responsible for the Autism Program.
It is unconscionable that this government continues to pinch pennies while parents of children with autism face financial hardship to ensure their loved ones receive the therapies they need.
I am calling on the Minister of Children, Communities and Social Services to provide a status report on progress towards the government’s target of 8,000 children receiving funding for autism therapies by the end of the autumn and to take immediate action to support children with autism.
The government should continue to consult with experts and parents to develop an effective autism program that provides:
- Funding based on a child’s need;
- Funding that does not discriminate based on age or income;
- Funding for service providers and organizations to ensure services are available for families;
- Funding for the education sector to provide supports for autistic children attending school.
- Supports for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.”
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Media Contact:
John Chenery
johnchenery@gpo.ca
647-213-2060
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