Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the “National Autism Network Project”?
The National Autism Network Project is the funded work plan and budget developed through the joint Sinneave and Alliance proposal in response to the Government of Canada’s call for proposals. It runs from March 1, 2025 to March 31, 2029 and involves organizations and individuals beyond the Network entity to deliver on shared priorities.
Our shared objective is to enhance the quality of life for Autistic people and their families across Canada by ensuring Canada’s Autism Strategy leads to real, measurable results.
Q: In this Project, what is the relationship between Autism Alliance of Canada, the National Autism Network, and Sinneave Family Foundation?
The National Autism Network was created and funded to inform the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on how to carry out Canada’s Autism Strategy. While the Network is its own independent not-for-profit organization, operating with its own board and decision-making, it is powered by Autism Alliance of Canada through significant in-kind and intellectual support, including policy know-how and evidence-based frameworks. The Alliance and the Network are intertwined through trusted relationships and collaboration within policy working groups and Strategic Priority Committees (SPCs). (See here to understand how we helped set up the Network)
In this partnership, Autism Alliance of Canada serves as the advocacy and research policy engine, providing foundational guidance and acting as the larger advocacy arm holding the government accountable to its commitments. Sinneave Family Foundation is the operational backbone, receiving, managing, and distributing funding for Project activities, and overseeing, monitoring, and reporting to the government on progress.
Together, these distinct but complementary roles ensure strong policy leadership, effective operations, and meaningful community impact.
Q: How is the Network different from the Project?
The Network is the independent not-for-profit organization. The Project is the contracted work plan and funded activities it is responsible for delivering. The Network is accountable for the Project during the funding period under its Agreement with Sinneave, but it remains an autonomous entity with the ability to determine its future beyond the Project.
Q: What happens after the Project ends in 2029?
The Project concludes on March 31, 2029. The Network as an independent organization will remain and is expected to identify a path to sustainability beyond the funded Project.
Q: Is the National Autism Network going to replace Autism Alliance of Canada?
No. There is no risk of the Network taking over the Alliance. The Alliance remains the larger advocacy arm for the autism community, playing a key accountability role in holding the government to its commitments. The two organizations serve complementary functions to ensure Canada’s Autism Strategy produces results.
Q: How do the two organizations collaborate on a day-to-day basis?
The partnership is governed by a defined Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The Alliance supports the Network’s Strategic Priority Committees (SPCs) by providing policy leadership, evidence-based frameworks, and intellectual support. This collaboration is a core deliverable of our current strategic plan.
Q: Why is it important for the Alliance to support the Network?
Supporting the Network is a value-add for Alliance members. By powering the Network, we ensure that the voices of our members, families, and Autistic leaders are directly influencing national policy through the Network’s Strategic Priority Committees and our acquired knowledge, experience, and expertise. This partnership combines policy and research expertise with community coordination to drive meaningful impact.
Q: What does it mean when the Alliance and the Network are “independent but connected”? How are accountability and transparency ensured?
Each organization has its own board, staff, and decision-making authority, while working toward shared goals through close collaboration. This structure maintains clear independence in governance and operations, while enabling alignment and coordination.
Accountability is strengthened through this model: the Alliance serves as the advocacy arm holding government accountable to its commitments, while the Network ensures community priorities are continuously informing implementation – creating a clear link between community input and policy action. Transparency is maintained through each organization’s regular public reporting and open communication on its respective mandate, ensuring clarity on roles, responsibilities, and progress.
Q: Does Autism Alliance of Canada manage the staff at the National Autism Network?
No. The Alliance does not control, manage, or receive reports from the Network’s staff. Each organization operates independently with its own governance, staff, and reporting structures. At the same time, we work closely together to ensure that our shared goals are met.
Q: How is this work funded?
The Project is funded by the Government of Canada through the Public Health Agency of Canada. Sinneave manages and distributes this funding to support Project activities. The Alliance does not receive any funding for this Project, but rather provides significant in-kind contributions and support.
Q: How long will this partnership last?
The current funded Project runs through March 31, 2029 under the Government of Canada’s Autism Initiative administered by PHAC.
Q: What impact is this partnership expected to have?
By combining policy and research, operational expertise, and community engagement, this partnership is designed to build a more inclusive Canada and ensure Canada’s Autism Strategy delivers meaningful results for Autistic people and their families.