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Autism Rally in Front of MPP Hardeman's Office Today

Tuesday, 6 August 2019 at 14:03

Dozens of people showed up to protest cuts to autism today in front of local MPP Ernie Hardeman's office.

WOODSTOCK - Autism rallies are happening across the Province today.

In Woodstock they protested in front of Conservative MPP Ernie Hardeman's office until 1:00 pm today. 

Organizer and autism parent Shawna Buck says she wants to see a needs based therapy model. 

"A year ago Doug Ford came in and he ripped all services away from our kids. Lisa MacLeod was demoted because she came forward with a budget plan that did not work. It costs $7,000 for 12 weeks of therapy, she wants to give $5,000 for the whole year. There are kids that are on the higher end of the spectrum that need more therapy, that's up to $80,000. I believe our kids require a needs based therapy right now, the OAP came into affect 6 months ago, our kids are still waiting they are still on a wait list. We live in Ontario, this is a medical necessity and it should be covered for our kids." 

Buck says they were hopeful that Minister Hardeman would show up today to speak with the protestors, however he did not show up. She says the changes announced last week are not good enough. 

"Todd Smith recently came out, he's talking about going towards a need based plan, they still have no clue. Our biggest concern is he still wants to follow Lisa MacLeod's portfolio for the next nine months. They are talking 2020 with still no plan in place. Our kids need help right now, not months and months away and we are pushing over a year." 

Dozens of people showed up to protest today and numerous cars honked as they passed by to show their support. 

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