Living My Values

2019 was a very challenging time in the Ontario Autism System as there was major public outcry over the Government Ontario trying to shift the funded system to a fee based system that was not aligned with the views of systems advocates and clinicians and the needs of families.

Ford government shifts to needs-based autism funding

I was so honoured that my CEO, the Board of Directors and my peers, had faith in me to lead a tour of our offices by the Ministry of Children, Youth and Community Services as they tried to announce an important shift in direction. This was a very challenging introduction to lead given the public scrutiny. I am really proud of how I handled it, but most importantly that I lived my values in my written and spoken comments to the government, our organization, our valued partners and our dear families and children in need.

Minister Smith delivers remarks at Surrey Place, Toronto