Mr. Speaker, in 2017, I had the pleasure of hosting a job fair in my riding focused specifically on people with autism. It was organized by Substance Cares. This event was not only the first of its kind in Canada but in the world. As we enter World Autism Awareness Month in April, I would like to highlight the reason for this initiative and its success.
Autism spectrum disorder currently affects one in 60 children nationally, and those with the disorder experience an 80% unemployment rate. Services and opportunities are limited, if not non-existent, for autistic people once they finish high school. In just five years, this event has attracted some of Canada's top employers and has garnered international media attention.
Prior to COVID, Substance Cares had expanded its job fair to Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. This year this initiative will be held virtually on April 8 and is open to every province and territory in Canada.
I would like to applaud the co-founders and organizers of Substance Cares for their determination in working to bring about change through the Spectrum Works Job Fair.