Liberal Senator urges feds and provinces to work out better way to handle autism

In an article that appeared in the Ottawa Citizen on April 2, just after the federal election was called, Liberal Senator Jim Munson called for active cooperation to address autism in Canada.

It isn't much to ask that a federal minister sit down with provincial counterparts and representatives from autism organizations to devise a better way to operate. It is time for federal politicians to take a leadership role.

Two recommendations from the report that I consider most crucial are national standards for treatment and research, and a national strategy for equal treatment and services across the country. Courageous actions are now needed to deal with this emerging crisis.

More to come on the federal election and special needs.

Family of four ordered deported from Canada because daughter has cerebral palsy

A family of four with a daughter who has cerebral palsy is fighting a deportation order. They were refused permanent resident status and ordered deported last year. The girl was judged to be an undue burden on the Canadian Health system.

Their only recourse now is an appeal to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, which was launched yesterday.