I challenge the minister to prove to this House and to all Canadians that his social programs can survive the ravages of a government that cannot balance its books. The first social aid program that should be cut is an unelected Senate. Autism is a developmental disorder which occurs in approximately 15 out of every 10,000 births. It is estimated that there are over 500 people affected with this disorder in Newfoundland alone. It is four times more common in boys than it is in girls, with symptoms appearing during the first three years of life.
Autism causes severe communication difficulties.
Social interaction and behavioural problems are also evident. It was first diagnosed in 1943 and is one of the most complex disabilities to understand. I commend the Autism Society for its work on raising public awareness of this disorder and I am pleased to bring this to the attention of the House. Mr. Speaker, the interim leader of the Conservative Party recently found a new political orientation for himself. He said to the Laval Chamber of Commerce that his new constitutional position is now called shared sovereignty .