MPP Arnott speaks at rally for autistic kids

The “No More Excuses” rally for children with autism was held at the Civic Square at the City Hall in Kitchener on July 31st. Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott was one of the guest speakers who addressed the audience at the rally. The following is the text of the presentation he made:

“I feel very honoured to have been asked to address you briefly this morning. In your long struggle for better supports for autistic children, you’ve won the respect of many in the Ontario Legislature, and come together as a potent political force that the Provincial Government cannot ignore.

Now, I will acknowledge at the outset that as a long-serving MPP, I sat on the Government side from 1995 to 2003. As a Government Caucus, we were advised that the program we launched in 1999 made Ontario a national leader in the provision of autism services, and that there was a plan to continue to increase funding in future years.

We were also advised that IBI services for autistic children are most effective when provided for children up to the age of six. But it doesn’t take a Ph. D. in children’s developmental health to realize that if a child is stuck on a waiting list until he or she is six, and then denied service entirely, then the essence of the program has failed, and that family has been cheated.

As MPP for Waterloo-Wellington, I have raised this issue in the Legislature, and directly criticized the Premier of Ontario for breaking his election promise, made in writing in 2003, to the parent of an autistic child.

Dalton McGuinty must be held accountable for his broken promises, and in just over 14 months, he will be.

But what is needed now, are not more court cases where the Government wastes taxpayers’ dollars on legal fees, defending its broken promises before a judge; not more cynical political promises made by politicians who only want your vote; not more raised expectations that lead to broken hearts.

Instead, we need a meaningful, honest dialogue between the Ministry and families to determine ways of improving services, stretching the available resources to do more for these special kids, who deserve to be given the chance to reach their full potential in life, just like every other Ontario child.

Good luck in your efforts, and thanks for having me today.