S-203 – The Federal Framework on Autism Spectrum Disorder Act – sets up a federal framework to help support autistic Canadians and their families.
Measures to be Provided
The framework will need to identify measures that will provide:
- Timely and equitable access to screening for ASD (autism spectrum disorder)
- Financial support for autistic people and their families, including the establishment or expansion of any tax benefits
- Support for caregivers
- A national research network to improve research on ASD
- National campaigns to increase public knowledge of ASD and foster inclusivity
- Sustained, accessible, and culturally relevant resources on best evidence-based information to support autistic people and their families/caregivers, including information on effective treatments and ineffective/harmful treatments
- Methods to ensure accountability in the use of federal funds for these supports
- Anything else the Minister of Health deems appropriate
Consultations
The Minister of Health will need to consult with the following when establishing this framework:
- The Minister of Finance, the Minister of National Revenue, the Minister of Employment and Social Development, and any other relevant ministers
- Representatives of provincial governments, including those responsible for health
- Relevant stakeholders, including people with lived experience, caregivers, service providers, and representatives from organizations that focus on ASD
- Anyone else the Minister deems appropriate
Within 12 months of S-203 receiving royal assent the Minister will need to hold at least one conference with those people for developing the framework.
Reports
The Minister will have 18 months to develop this framework, and then five years after that will need to report back on the measures implemented, their effectiveness, and an explanation for any measures not implemented.
Second and Third Readings
S-203 passed its Second and Third Readings in the House without recorded votes, and is just waiting to be given Royal Assent.
Royal Assent
On March 30, 2023 S-203 was granted Royal Assent.
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