Conservative candidate says autism "not a disability" but a special interest group

This blog is not intended as a political exercise, however there are times when the limits of ignorance exceed expectations and some response or exposure is called for.  

Conservative James Moore, the candidate in the  Port Moody–Westwood–Port Coquitlam riding, said that autism is not a disability - it is a special interest group, at an all candidates meeting.

In response to a question about whether he would support legislation to amend the Canada Health Act to include autism treatment (ABA/IBI) under Medicaree, he said,  "No, autism is not a disability and The Canada Health Act is not for Special interest Groups."

Perhaps this gives some insight into why Conservative candidates during this election campaign were either not allowed, or were afraid, to attend all-candidates forums. Let's hope more of the candidates aren't hiding opinions like Moore's.

Following is the report taken directly from the Medicare for Autism Now website:

Asked at Riverside Secondary All Candidates Meeting today in School Gym for RIDING:
Port Moody–Westwood–Port Coquitlam
Incumbent JAMES MOORE was present. He has missed one meeting and was scorned in the local newspaper for his absence when caught tweeting about the hockey game.
* Kevin Kim Green Party of Canada – absent
* Mark Ireland New Democratic Party- answer YES
* Stewart McGillivray Liberal Party of Canada -answer YES
* James Moore Conservative Party of Canada – answer NO – autism is not a disability and The Canada Health Act is not for Special interest Groups.
* Paul Geddes Libertarian – definitely not – medicare should be privatized – the night before his reply to creating laws to Civil Rights for disabled people received the answer that minorities can’t expect handouts.

On the same website there are reports that several Liberal and NDP candidates responded positively to this question.

Thank-you to Facing Autism in New Brunswick for bringing this issue to the forefront.