Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Ordinary Members' Caucus to talk about a group of people who need the support of both government and their communities. These are the children, teenagers and adults who have a special need. There are many types of special needs, ranging from FAS related disorders to blindness, from brain disorders to dyslexia, from autism to speech disorders.

Madam Speaker, the Special Committee on Health and Social Services identified a number of pressing concerns in the provision of services to people with special needs. The more we can support and encourage these people to reach their full potential, the less they must rely on social assistance and other government programs. We should be doing the best we can as a society to help special needs individuals become, to the best of their ability, accepted and functioning members of society.

Madam Speaker, as an example, recently in this House I and other Members have been asking questions regarding respite care for the families of those with special needs. Respite care would give some well deserved time off to these care givers, allowing them to be refreshed in working with their special needs family members.

Members of the OMC still have many outstanding concerns in the area of special needs. These include assessment, treatment services, support structures, early intervention and appropriate budgeting. Members also find the various roles of the departments involved in providing services or programs for special needs, confusing. We are sure families with special needs individuals also share our confusion.

Madam Speaker, during question period today, Members will try to find answers to some of the outstanding issues concerning the services and support for special need individuals. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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