(Newswire.net — May 31, 2016) South Surrey White Rock, BC –A team of citizens from the South Surrey-White Rock community are gearing up to advocate for kids and families living with Autism at the upcoming Biennial Convention of the Liberal Party of Canada in Winnipeg at the end of May. The South Surrey-White Rock Federal Liberal Association is united in a mission to do something many within the Autism Community have long advocated for – Medicare coverage for the treatment of Autism under the Canada Health Act.
With 1 in 68 Canadian children affected by Autism today, the disorder has become a national epidemic. Effective treatments for Autism are however not yet covered under our universally accessible healthcare system.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy is a safe, uniquely effective treatment that helps people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) live happy and productive lives. ABA techniques can foster basic skills such as looking, listening and imitating, as well as complex skills such as reading, conversing and understanding another individual’s perspective.
“Amending the Canada Health Act to include ABA treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder is long overdue,” said Bill Brooks, President of the South Surrey-White Rock Federal Liberal Association. “Ending the long history of discrimination towards these children is the right thing to do.” Specifically, the Association will be presenting a resolution calling for an amendment to the Canada Health Act to include coverage for ABA for ASD.
The Hon. Bob Rae, former interim leader for the Liberal Party of Canada shared, “I wholeheartedly endorse this resolution and urge delegates to vote for its passage.” In his endorsement, Rae referenced Prime Minister Trudeau’s declaration that how we care for the most vulnerable in our society is very important.
Autism Canada is also speaking in support of this initiative. The resolution was presented on May 27 in Winnipeg.
Key background materials:
Policy Resolution http://winnipeg2016.liberal.ca/policy/medicare-coverage-for-the-treatment-of-autism/
Letter of endorsement from The Hon. Bob Rae http://southsurreywhiterock.liberal.ca/files/2016/05/Bob_Rae_Support.pdf
Letter from Autism Canada http://southsurreywhiterock.liberal.ca/files/2016/05/Autism_Canada_Support.pdf
About South Surrey-White Rock Federal Liberal Association
Led by President, Bill Brooks, the South Surrey-White Rock Federal Liberal Association enjoys an active membership of engaged local citizens. Inspired by a vision for Canada that is positive and ambitious, the Association works to foster common ground where every Canadian can find his or her own place with a strong and fair country
South Surrey-White Rock Federal Liberal Association
1688-152nd St., Unit 108South Surrey White Rock, BC V4A 4N2
Canada
604-250-5013
bbrooksbb@gmail.com
http://southsurreywhiterock.liberal.ca/