Autism Alliance of Canada’s evidence-based research and member advocacy contributed to the creation of Canada’s Autism Strategy and continues to influence the direction of autism policy in Canada. This work has forged a clear pathway for provincial and territorial action, and provinces are getting on board.
Last week, Bill 232, The Autism Strategy Act, introduced by MLA Cindy Lamoureux, passed its second reading in the Manitoba legislature. It will now be studied in detail by a committee before being put to a final vote. This momentum in itself is a victory for Autistic people and their families and caregivers.
Autism Alliance of Canada is honoured to have provided insights to MLA Lamoureux, the champion of this legislation, to make it a reality. Bill 232 provides guidelines for the development of a provincial Autism Strategy Act, including specific measures aligned with Canada’s Autism Strategy. The Act even refers to the Alliance by name, requiring consultations with “organizations that advocate on behalf of Autistic persons and their families and caregivers, such as the Autism Alliance of Canada”.
This serves as a powerful testament to the importance of evidence-based research and our collective advocacy in building a more supportive, inclusive Canada for the autism community.
But the work has only just begun.
We continue to support our members in Manitoba to engage directly with their local representatives to support this bill. You can stay informed by following the committee proceedings and remain steadfast in your perseverance to turn this legislation into reality.
To members across the rest of the country, the pending success in Manitoba can be used as motivation to advocate for similar legislation in their own province or territory. Together, we can build on the federal national strategy by drawing provincial and territorial attention to it, a step along the way for lasting change throughout the entire country.
Relevant sources / Articles :
- Transcript from the second reading: 3rd Session – 43rd Legislature, Vol. 29a, Mar 17, 2026
- Government votes down autism strategy bill proposed by Liberal MLA (Winnipeg Free Press)
- Autism bill gets second chance (Winnipeg Free Press)
- The autism strategy gap is already here (Winnipeg Free Press)
- PCs Help Push Autism Strategy Bill to Committee Stage After Initial NDP Rejection (Manitoba PC Caucus)
- New Autism Strategy for All Ages (The Civics Project)