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Decentralized Democracy

Member of Parliament

Hon. Mike Lake

  • Member of Parliament
  • Conservative
  • Edmonton—Wetaskiwin
  • Alberta
  • Voting Attendance: 65%
  • Expenses Last Quarter: $178,671.82

  • Government Page
Context: House Hansard - 175 - Mar/29/23
Hon. Mike Lake (Edmonton—Wetaskiwin, CPC)
  • Mar/29/23 2:21:26 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, and a quarter century since my son, Jaden, was diagnosed. Over the years, I have focused a lot of my public words on Jaden’s strengths. This is not because he does not need help but rather because, all too often, all people see is the help he needs. To be clear, as incredible as Jaden is, he needs a lot of help. He has considerable strengths in the concrete world, but they are inhibited by his struggles in the abstract world. He does not understand danger, so he literally needs help to survive every day. In other ways, Jaden's differences are healthier than our societal “normal”. He is obsessed with pictures, not because of how many “likes” they get on Instagram, but because of how much he loves the people, pets and places in them. He is honest with his expressions: giggling, yawning, crying or “tongue-out” intense. He rarely feels pressure to be something he is not. He is unwaveringly loyal, trusting, forgiving and trusting again, seemingly without hesitation. Yes, Jaden needs help, but for those who give him that help, invariably they receive much more in return.
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Context: House Hansard - 55 - Apr/7/22
Hon. Mike Lake (Edmonton—Wetaskiwin, CPC)
  • Apr/7/22 2:20:03 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last Saturday was World Autism Awareness Day and 24 years since my son, Jaden, was diagnosed. Jaden would normally be in Ottawa with me, but last week, he tested positive for COVID. He has bounced back quickly, but sadly is not able to travel. As the years go by, we learn more about autism and both the strengths and challenges that come with the label; still, so much remains unknown. Thankfully, more and more autistic Canadians are sharing their stories, and mysteries that we once only viewed as problems to be solved we are learning to embrace, as diversity that enriches our entire human experience. Some of my favourite moments are spent sitting beside Jaden and just being with him, looking into each other's eyes with smiles on both of our faces. We are content with the part of each other that remains unknown. There is so much I do not know in those moments, but I am intensely aware that Jaden loves me. Through a connection I could never begin to explain, I know that he knows I love him. There is no knowledge more important to me than that.
194 words
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