McGuinty Lie re Autism Services

    Many parents of autistic children voted for the Liberals based on McGuinty's promise to fund IBI treatment for children over the age of 6. Once elected, not only did he break his promise: now he is appealling a court decision ordering his government to assume this responsibility.

Full details at DAWN Ontario web site

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September 17, 2003:McGuinty promises to fund IBI treatment for older children

In a letter to Nancy Morrison, Dalton McGuingy states: "I also believe that the lack of government-funded IBI treatment for autistic children over six is unfair and discriminatory. The Ontario Liberals support extending autism treatment beyond the age of six."

Full letter

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April 4, 2004: Court rules government responsibility

In her ruling today, Madam Justice Frances Kitely identified the Ontario Provincial Government as the body responsible for the provision of treatment for autistic children, not school boards

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April 5, 2005 McGuinty Liberals appeal court ruling

CTV News: The Liberal government today announced it will appeal a recent court ruling that forces the province to fund expensive therapy for their children right through high school.

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	September 17, 2003


	Dear Ms. Morrison:

	Thank you kindly for your e-mail requesting information on the Ontario
	Liberal Party's position on IBI treatment for autistic children. I
	appreciate the vital issues you raised and would be pleased to address them
	at this time.

	First of all, let me say that I admire your determination and all your hard
	work -- not only on behalf of your son but all autistic children in our
	province. You have clearly put a lot of time and effort into ensuring that
	autistic children of all ages are able to enjoy the best possible quality of
	life. Among some of the most vulnerable members of our society, these
	children need -- and deserve -- our help and support. And, like other
	children, they deserve every opportunity for future success. Sadly, as you
	and many other Ontario families are experiencing first-hand, far too few
	autistic children in our province are getting the help and support they so
	desperately need.

	As you pointed out, autism is on the rise and is affecting the lives of an
	increasing number of Ontario families, either directly or indirectly.
	Currently there are only about 500 children in the province receiving
	government-funded IBI treatment. It is alarming and unacceptable that there
	are almost twice as many on a waiting list.

	I also believe that the lack of government-funded IBI treatment for autistic
	children over six is unfair and discriminatory. The Ontario Liberals support
	extending autism treatment beyond the age of six. We are not at all
	confident that the Harris-Eves Conservatives care to devise any innovative
	solution for autistic children over six -- especially those with best
	outcome possibilities that might potentially be helped within the school
	system with specially trained EAs.

	In government, my team and I will work with clinical directors, parents,
	teachers and school boards to devise a feasible way in which autistic
	children in our province can get the support and treatment they need. That
	includes children over the age of six.

	Ms. Morrison, I hope I have been able to shed some light on my party's
	position on IBI treatment for Ontario children with autism. Thank you again
	for expressing an interest in our policies. I look forward to an ongoing
	dialogue with you and other affected families to ensure that the needs of
	our autistic children are met.

	Yours truly,


	Dalton McGuinty
    Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party