Autism Framework and Appropriations Assented

Summary#

The Canada Gazette entry records that Royal Assent was given on March 30, 2023 to several bills passed by Parliament. These include An Act respecting a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder (Bill S‑203, chapter 2, 2023) and two appropriation acts for federal spending (Bill C‑43 and Bill C‑44).

What it does#

• An Act respecting a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder (Bill S‑203) establishes a federal framework on autism spectrum disorder. The Gazette notice does not give details about what the framework requires.
• An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023 (Bill C‑43) authorizes government spending for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.
• An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 (Bill C‑44) authorizes government spending for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.
• The Gazette also notes that assent was signified by written declaration under the Royal Assent Act and that both Houses of Parliament were notified on March 30, 2023.

Who's affected#

• People on the autism spectrum and their families, plus advocacy groups and service providers, may be affected if the new federal framework on autism spectrum disorder leads to federal programs or changes in coordination.
• Federal departments and agencies that manage budgets and programs are affected by the two appropriation acts (Bill C‑43 and Bill C‑44) because those laws authorize government spending for the named fiscal years.
• Taxpayers and everyone who uses federal services may notice effects indirectly through program funding decisions. The Gazette text does not give specifics about funded programs or amounts.

Why it matters#

• Royal Assent on March 30, 2023 means these measures were enacted into law on that date. That makes it possible for the federal government to begin implementing the autism framework and to use the authorized funds.
• The autism framework could change how federal programs coordinate or support autistic people, which matters to families and service providers.
• The appropriation acts allow the government to pay for its operations and programs for the stated fiscal years, which affects how public services are funded and delivered.