Fredericton Liberal Matt DeCourcey: Liberal Party Committed to A National Autism Strategy Addressing Access to ABA/IBI

Fredericton Liberal Candidate Matt DeCourcey

Email received October 2, 2015 from Fredericton Liberal Candidate Matt DeCourcey stating Liberal Party supports creation of a National Autism Strategy addressing ABA and IBI access and coverage under Medicare:

Hi Harold,

Thank you for the email. I apologize for the delay in my response. I want to let you know that the Liberal Party and I fully support the creation of a national autism strategy. Our party recognizes that in certain provinces, autism treatments, including ABA and IBI are covered under provincial Medicare programs and are more readily available in other provinces. Health care access challenges like these are something that the Liberal Party is committed to addressing.

First and foremost, we need a conversation that goes beyond simply mirroring previously made commitments. We need a partner in the federal government that is committed to innovation and collaboration with the provinces and territories to achieve a modern, efficient, equitable system of universal health care. The Liberal Party is committed to that collaboration.

A Liberal government will re-engage the provinces after 10 years of Stephen Harper neglect. We will meet on Canadian health care and negotiate a new Health Accord with the provinces and territories, including an agreement on long-term funding. Furthermore, our party is committed to pan-Canadian collaboration on health innovation. We will work with provincial jurisdictions to overcome obstacles to innovation in health care delivery and access.

Thank you again for your email. I hope that I’ve helped to clarify the Liberal Party’s position on support for those living with autism. If you have any further questions please reach out.

Best,

Matt

The Environment Is Of Vital Importance - Next Time Include Elizabeth May

This blog is focused on autism disorders, very closely related conditions including intellectual disability and epilepsy.  It is about my son and the joy he brings me each day despite his serious disorders and challenges.  Occasionally it is just a celebration via pictures of the pleasure I experience each day that I live in Canada's Green City .... Fredericton.  Fredericton has been called the Green City, not because of any political party dominance under the green banner although Mr David Coon shook 'the traditional voting patterns one year ago when he was elected as an MLA in Fredericton , but because of its abundant natural growth and wildlife.  It is a beautiful green city and I love Fredericton.  Beyond these topics I don't usually touch directly on politics unless it involves advocating for autism services in  New Brunswick and federally.

I am making an exception today though.  I am asking whoever organizes future debates in this election period to include Elizabeth May in those debates. I am seriously disappointed with the "masterminds", the old boys, who decided to exclude Green Party leader Elizabeth May from the debate last night.  Obviously elections are about electing representatives including a party to form our government.  But elections are also about discussing important public issues and few public issues are as important as our environment.  The wizards that organized yesterday's leaders debate, hiding it so it could barely be found and excluding Elizabeth May did a disservice to all Canadians.  Regardless of the party affiliation for the person we vote for as MP this country can use Elizabeth May.

Elizabeth May can discuss all issues with her very sharp  and well informed mind.  But she brings an exceptionally important perspective  and presence to the discussion of our environment ... the most important issue, in my humble opinion, facing all Canadians.