Premier should apologize for misleading statements on autism

June 29, 2019

TORONTO — Mike Schreiner's statement in response to reports that the Ford government misled the public about the waiting list for autism services:

“I’m outraged to learn what many suspected — the Ford government has reportedly spread misinformation about the autism waitlist to justify cuts to funding for children with autism.

The government’s callous disregard for the welfare of children with autism and the apparent weaponization of inaccurate waitlist data to justify cuts to services is shameful and unacceptable.

During an autism roundtable that I recently hosted, over and over again parents simply asked for honest answers and clear communication from government, even if the news did not deliver everything they wanted.

Instead, the government’s politically motivated actions have put families in crisis, created chaos in our schools, and led to job losses for service providers.

The Premier should issue an unequivocal apology to everyone negatively affected by his government’s efforts to spread misinformation.

The Premier and Minister Smith must also commit to restoring trust with the people of Ontario, especially the autism community, by ending all misinformation campaigns and implementing an independent, evidence-based process with all party support to develop a new Ontario Autism Program.”

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