Tomorrow, September 9, represents fetal alcohol awareness day, a day that shares valuable information and spreads awareness about this spectrum disorder.

Approximately 583,000 individuals across our province have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, also known to many as FASD. This is a diagnostic term used to describe the impact on the brain and body of individuals who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a lifelong disability. One thing is certain: These individuals need special supports to help them live full and meaningful lives.

Speaker, FASD is a complex disability. It is challenging to both recognize and diagnose. That being said, FASD is one of Canada’s leading spectrum disabilities. Shockingly, this disorder is two and a half times more common than autism. Approximately 4% of Canadians have FASD.

Tomorrow the city of St. Thomas, which is in my riding, will participate in the FAS Bell Concordance. I would like to encourage all members to take the time tomorrow to learn something new about FASD and share it with their friends, family and colleagues. Together let us further educate and effectively communicate our way to eliminating fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Back to the minister: Minister, 900,000 people in Ontario are living on social assistance, and they’re living in poverty. Their biggest expense is housing. Upwards of 60% of a person’s social assistance income is going to housing. You cannot afford to live on $733 a month if you’re on Ontario Works or $1,227 a month if you’re on disability payments.

Minister, I am asking you to join us on this social-assistance diet to have a better understanding of what it is like to be on social assistance, and I am calling on this government to double social assistance rates to help people get out of poverty. Can you do that?