MPP Michael Mantha’s News from the Park
Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Michael Mantha
This week at Queen’s Park it became clear to families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder that Liberals have been ignoring expert advice not to abandon children with autism. The Wynne government is taking away essential treatment for children with autism, after a warning from experts today who said that would violate the code of ethics of board certified behavioural analysts (BCBA).
Earlier this week a group of experts released a letter outlining concerns with the government’s recent decision to remove children from intensive therapy. It stated, “Abandonment of our clients is in serious violation of the BCBA code of ethics”.
Certification guidelines state that treatment should be based on clinical need, and not constrained by age. The Ontario Association of Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA) highlights a need for transition toward consistency with the ethical obligations to protect the best interests of clients.
Families who have been offered contracts are being told they will be removed after only six months, even though the expert report suggests that intensive therapy be run for a minimum of a year. It is concerning that this government continues to ignore advice from experts and continues to move forward with this wrong decision.
In other news, the week had been dominated by electoral campaign finance reform. New Democrats put forward a motion to establish a fast-moving panel of experts, academics, business leaders, labour and Ontarians to help write the rules that govern political party financing in this province. My colleagues and I alongside many Ontarians believe that we need to get the influence of big money out of government and politics in Ontario. We believe it shouldn’t be up to one political party, or any single political leader, to make the rules for 14 million Ontarians. However Premier Wynne and her Liberal Government voted down the NDP motion proving that they’re determined to take a partisan approach to writing election rules.
The laws that govern our democracy should be built to last, not based on the whims of any one political party. The Premier is setting a dangerous precedent that any majority government can change Ontario’s election laws whenever and however they feel like it. That’s the wrong decision, one that will have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences.
Poor decisions made by this government are hitting closer to home as well. The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has replaced the “Jobs for Youth Program” with the “Youth Jobs Connection Program.” Over the past seven years Waubetek Business Development Corp has successfully been delivering the Jobs for Youth program in the region. This program change has resulted in youth employment positions for at-risk Aboriginal youth being reduced from 50 to 4 positions.
Over the past seven years, this program has enabled 420 Aboriginal Youth between the ages of 15-18 to be hired, trained and placed over that period.
The results of this program have been outstanding, an increase in aboriginal youth in post-secondary from 62 per cent to 91 per cent in seven years. High risk behaviours were curbed. They worked with aboriginal and non-aboriginal employers to bridge the gap of cultural relationships and understanding. It has contributed to the regional economy. After the program ended many of the youth were re-employed by their original employers.
I have spoken with the Minister regarding this issue and I will continue to fight for this decision to be reversed.
It’s so disappointing to see that so many poor decisions made recently by this liberal government are having direct impacts on our provinces most vulnerable children. My colleague and I appreciate the support we have received from across the province and will continue to voice your concerns.
As always, please feel free to contact my office about this issue, or any other provincial matters. You can reach my constituency office by email at mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca or by phone at 705-461-9710/1-800-831-1899.
MPP Michael Mantha, Algoma-Manitoulin
