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I received MPP’s Sylvia Jones’ Newsletter today by email and was really disappointed to see the below statement in it. Really surprising that this comes in April as it is National Autism Awareness Month. The government really needs to reevaluate where they spend their money, because I would rather drive on a bumpy road than have a child go without needed treatment. There are a lot of places where money can be cut, but this one should not be one of them.

In the Newsletter:

April 2016

Thank you for your ongoing interest in my work at Queen’s Park. March was a very busy month!

Government Not In It for Children with Autism

On March 29^th, the provincial government announced changes to Autism therapy funding, which will result in children with Autism over 5 years old being ineligible to receive Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) therapy. As a result of this poorly though out decision, approximately 3,500 children will be ineligible to receive IBI therapy. Unfortunately many of these families have been waiting years to have their child receive this necessary therapy. Now the government has completely shut the door on them. Autism doesn’t end at 5 and no child should be left behind in receiving the necessary support they deserve. To watch my question to the Minister of Children and Youth Services on reversing her decision, click here.

Government Secret Fundraising Practices 

News broke at the end of the month that the government has given fundraising quotas to their Ministers. Quotas are alleged to range from $150,000 to $500,000 per year. For example, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and the Minister of Finance each allegedly have fundraising quotas of $500,000. As a result of the revelation the government is now calling for changes to political fundraising and third-party advertising. The PC Caucus and I have long called for reform to third-party advertising. The people of Ontario deserve to know if political fundraising is influencing government business and policy. That is why the PC Caucus and I are calling for public inquiry into the government’s fundraising practices.

Macville Public School Wins Spread the Net Student Challenge

On March 23rd I recognized Macville Public School in Caledon for being declared the top fundraiser elementary school across Canada in the Spread the Net Student Challenge. More than 50 schools across the country participated in the Spread Net Challenge and raised $80,000 which will go towards the purchase of 8,000 bed nets for families in Africa to prevent the transmission of Malaria. This year Macville Public School raised $11,454, the highest amount by any elementary school, and were congratulated by Rick Mercer for their successful efforts. Once again I want to congratulate and thank Macville Public School for participating in the Spread the Net Student Challenge. Well done! To watch my member statement, click here.

If you have time, please find below links to columns I have written over the past month.

• How will the Budget Impact You?
• Progressive Conservatives Gather for Annual Convention
• Is Your Address Up To Date With ServiceOntario
• Government Not In It For Seniors

Sylvia Jones, MPP

For more information on these issues and others please visit my website: www.sylviajonesmpp.ca. 

My staff and I are available to assist you with questions or issues regarding the Ontario government.

Please contact us at: 1-800-265-1603.