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THURSDAY AUGUST 22, 2019 dentistoakville.com 905-842-6030 Michelle Cooper Insurance & Financial Services 905-826-4900 www.michellecooper.ca.michellecooper.ca.michellecooper Get a quote Bundle your home and auto for better savings The Government of Canada un- veiled funding for several autism programs during a presentation at Oakville's ErinoakKids facility, however, some of those present say the announcement was "under- whelming." Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam Damoff attended the centre, which has been described as one of the largest autism services provid- ers, on Monday, Aug. 19, when she announced how federal funding outlined in the 2018 budget would be allocated to six projects. "Our government is deeply committed to supporting those liv- ing with autism and the dedicated folks who take care of them," saidfolks who take care of them," saidf Damoff. "That means listening to them. That means understanding them and that means empowering them. That's exactly why we created the Autism Spectrum Disorder Stra- tegic Fund. It was announced in Budget 2018 and the fund sets aside over $9 million to help meet the needs of Canadians living with au- tism." Damoff said over the next five years the federal government will provide: • $600,000 for an expansion of the Legends Mentoring Program at Jake's House for Autistic Chil- dren in Etobicoke. This program helps individuals with autism transition from their teen years to adulthood by matching them with a mentor. • $518,964 for the Building Block See FUNDING, page 4 SOME 'UNDERWHELMED' BY AUTISM FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT DAVID LEA dlea@metroland.com FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ALLOCATES MORE THAN $3 MILLION TO 6 AUTISM SUPPORT PROJECTS TASK HAS STRINGS ATTACHED Six-year-old Kayla Kiziltan attempts to walk atop buckets with strings, one of many activities available for kids at the popular Oakville Children's Festival, held last weekend at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre. More photos on page 12. Graham Paine/Torstar V IS IT IN SI D EH A LT O N .C O M /C O N TE ST S TO E N TE R