Nicola Lewis, CEO of Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN), met with key decision-makers in Ottawa last month. During this time, she raised awareness and advocated for the ongoing work KBHN is undertaking to support children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) and their families. Ms. Lewis met with Members of Parliament and attended a committee meeting where the Honourable François-Phillippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry was in attendance.
Ms. Lewis met briefly with Minister Champagne, as well as the his Policy Advisor. Ms. Lewis also met with Minister Champagne’s Parliamentary Secretary, Andy Filmore, M.P. As a result of these meetings, she was invited to appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research (SRSR) as part of their study on Citizen Scientists. The meeting took place on February 16, where she presented on the importance of including family and caregivers in research and showcased key elements of the Family Engagement in Research (FER) Program.
FER co-developers and co-leaders Dr. Andrea Cross, Connie Putterman and Donna Thomson teamed up to prepare for the meeting. Ms. Putterman and Dr. Cross were in attendance when Ms. Lewis introduced the Family Engagement in Research (FER) program. The presentation was followed by an exchange with Members of Parliament about the program’s impact on people’s lives.
House of Commons Standing Committees
In the federal government, the House of Commons has established various committees tasked with examining selected matters, studying legislation, and reporting conclusions or providing recommendations to the government. These committees provide industry stakeholders with a direct pathway to provide feedback on the government legislation, programs and initiatives. Their studies often address issues that are top-of-mind, and that should be considered by the government for action and progress. Most recently, KBHN has provided recommendations to committees focusing on a Child Study; Citizen Scientists in Research; Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit Act; and Bill S-203, the National Autism Strategy. In each case, the focus has been meeting the needs of children with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families.
Meetings to date
To date, Me. Lewis has met with Members of Parliament representing different parties, and from three House of Commons Standing Committees:
- Standing Committee on Health (HESA)
- Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)
- Standing Committee on Science and Research (SRSR)
Ms. Lewis has also met with staff in the offices of the Minister of Health; the Minister of Industry, Science and Technology; the Minster of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability; as well as department officials and senators.
These meetings on Parliament Hill have contributed to raising KBHN’s profile among elected officials, while gathering support from Members of Parliament for KBHN’s application to the Strategic Science Fund, currently undergoing consideration.
Mr. Sousa (M.P. representing Missisauga-Lakeshore) and Ms. Metlege Diab (M.P. representing Halifax West) are members of the Standing Committee on Science and Reseach (SRSR). Ms. Metlege is also a member of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST).
