We think the federal government is in a unique position as a national facilitator engaging provinces and territories. The federal government can stage and maintain a national agenda for autism. Precedents exist in introducing agenda items at health ministers conferences or first ministers conferences. At present, families migrate across the country to provinces that can provide or are perceived to provide better care for their family. That has many implications for Canadians. The challenge before us is to find effective ways to leverage the strength of our federal-provincial system to advance the autism agenda in Canada so we can provide universal access to treatment and services.
Additionally, the federal government has the lead role as a health care provider for aboriginal communities. These Canadians must have access to autism spectrum disorder specific care for all individuals diagnosed. These include treatment options, supports, and services across each person's lifespan.