Thanks, Mr. Chair. Thank you so much, Mike, for not only being here today and sponsoring the bill but also for your many years of great work in this area.
Mike and I share something. My youngest daughter has a developmental disability. It's not autism, but it's allowed me to experience many of the the same things Mike has experienced. More importantly, it's allowed me the privilege of meeting people in the diverse needs community and to be exposed to the love, skill, and talent that is there.
In the last election, the NDP committed to a national autism strategy. I know the Conservatives made a very strong election commitment in their 2021 platform. The Liberals provided $15.4 million over two years in the 2021 budget to create a national autism strategy. Bill S-203 was adopted unanimously by the Senate at third reading on May 12, 2022. There's a great consensus in Parliament across party lines. I'm really pleased to see this bill come forward.
I have some specific questions, Mike.
What steps are you aware of that have been taken to seek input from the autistic community with respect to this legislation to date?