Shawn Murphy says private members bill raised attention about need for action
Shawn Murphy MP
Charlottetown Guardian – Charlottetown MP Shawn Murphy’s private member’s bill which would have required the government to produce a national strategy to improve autism treatment across the country has been defeated.
Bill-304 was defeated by a vote of 155-113.
In expressing his disappointment, Murphy said the inequalities in the availability of autism treatment affect families in every Canadian community and it’s time the issue received the attention it deserves from the federal government.
Nevertheless, Murphy said C-304 has played an important role in raising awareness about the urgent need for federal governmental action to address the availability of autism treatments.
“Across the country, the coverage of autism treatments under Medicare differs greatly from province to province,” he said. “Autistic children and their families in every province and territory deserve the same access to treatment through the health-care system that is available to rich provinces like Alberta. We will continue to lobby the government to develop a national autism strategy to ensure that happens.’
Research released this month by the U.S. Centre for Disease Control shows that as many as one in every 150 children is affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Island MP said despite this, many provinces provide little or no funding for expensive treatments like Applied Behavioral Analysis and Intensive Behavioral Intervention.
Autism Reality NB
A valiant effort by Shawn Murphy. Moncton NB Liberal MP Brian Murphy gave a great speech in support of the motion. It is unfortunate that the Conservatives and Bloc chose to hide behind constitutional jurisdiction to deny Canada wide treatment for autistic children when they know the act can be structured to invite rather than compel participation by provinces and thereby. As for the no specific condition having been singled out previously in the Canada Health Act – so what? There is a first time for everything. If the Coservative-Bloc coalition excuses had prevailed historically there never would have been a medicare system in Canada.
Mr. Murphy’s bill was a noble effort and will not be the last in an attempt to assist autistic children wherever they reside in Canada.
Well done Mr. Murphy.
mcewen
I think you may find that the figures vary considerably from State to State e.g. 1 in 100 in New Jersey [and the UK funnily enough]
Best wishes