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Mike’s Work: Autism

“I want to acknowledge a group of Canadians who are close to my heart. They, like myself, are parents of young children with autism. My son Jaden is 10 years old now and was diagnosed with autism when he was two. I would like those parents to know that I have been where they are. I have experienced the same emotions that they are experiencing right now: the intense love that a parent has for his or her child; the fear that accompanies the discovery that there is something different about the way the child is developing; the hope of finding out that there is a treatment that is helping other children with similar challenges; and the utter frustration and disappointment as time ticks away while the child waits for that treatment.”  Mike Lake, Maiden Speech in the House of Commons, April 24, 2006.   

“We are grateful to have a champion like Mike Lake. A tireless and fearless leader who continues to keep autism in the forefront at a federal level.” Autism Speaks Canada, June 23, 2017
AutismInternational DevelopmentNewsSupporting Canada’s Special Olympians in Berlin
June 14, 2023

Supporting Canada’s Special Olympians in Berlin

This week, Mike is supporting Canada's Special Olympians as they compete in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. Over 7,000 athletes from approximately 190 countries are competing at this…
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AutismNewsMike Speaks to Youth Leaders at the Forum for Young Canadians
March 11, 2020

Mike Speaks to Youth Leaders at the Forum for Young Canadians

Yesterday, Mike had the honour of spending an hour with a group of more than 100 young leaders, aged 14-17, from across the country. He shared about the importance of…
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AutismNewsMike Delivers Keynote Speech at the North Central Alberta Teachers Convention
February 10, 2020

Mike Delivers Keynote Speech at the North Central Alberta Teachers Convention

This past weekend, Mike and Jaden had the honour of presenting to teachers from across Northern Alberta. As a featured speaker, Mike discussed some of the many benefits a school…
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AutismNewsMike Hosted by Maryland Department of Disabilities
April 19, 2019

Mike Hosted by Maryland Department of Disabilities

Yesterday, Mike was honoured to be hosted by the Maryland Department of Disabilities at the invitation of Secretary Carol Beatty. Mike was joined by his son, Jaden, and about twenty…
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AutismNewsMike and Jaden Visit Washington, Present to Inter-agency Autism Coordinating Committee
April 18, 2019

Mike and Jaden Visit Washington, Present to Inter-agency Autism Coordinating Committee

Yesterday, Mike and Jaden gave a presentation and took part in the quarterly meeting of the Inter-agency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) just outside Washington, DC. The IACC is the advisory…
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AutismNewsMike and Jaden Give Keynote Speech at Duke University
April 16, 2019

Mike and Jaden Give Keynote Speech at Duke University

Yesterday, Mike and Jaden were in Durham, North Carolina to present to the faculty and students of Duke University. The event was organized by the Duke Center for Autism and…
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AutismNewsMike’s Annual World Autism Awareness Day Statement
April 4, 2019

Mike’s Annual World Autism Awareness Day Statement

Yesterday, Mike gave his annual one-minute World Autism Awareness Day statement in the Canadian House of Commons, with his son, Jaden, watching from the gallery. Mike's statement read: “Mr. Speaker,…
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AutismNewsMike Meets Inspirational Teen
March 3, 2019

Mike Meets Inspirational Teen

Yesterday, Mike was honoured to meet Isaiah Grewal, a 16-year old with autism. Despite being non-verbal, Isaiah has plenty to say. Isaiah recently wrote to Mike as part of his…
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AutismNewsMike Speaks at Radiant Night Autism Charity Gala
March 3, 2019

Mike Speaks at Radiant Night Autism Charity Gala

Last night, Mike was honoured to be the keynote speaker at the Radiant Night Autism Charity Gala in Toronto. Over 1,000 people were in attendance, including Toronto Mayor John Tory…
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AutismNewsMike Does ‘Distinguished Lecturer Series’ Keynote at U.C. Davis MIND Institute
January 10, 2019

Mike Does ‘Distinguished Lecturer Series’ Keynote at U.C. Davis MIND Institute

Yesterday, Mike was honoured to be presenting as part of the Distinguished Lecturer Series at UC Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento. The UC Davis MIND Institute is a collaborative international…
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AutismNewsElpida Gala 2018
December 1, 2018

Elpida Gala 2018

Last night, Mike was honoured to speak to over 800 guests at the annual Elpida Gala in Toronto. The Elpida Autism Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organization that was established…
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AutismNewsMike Attends First Ever Global Disability Summit
July 25, 2018

Mike Attends First Ever Global Disability Summit

This week, Mike and Jaden met with world leaders in the UK for the first ever Global Disability Summit. The event was co-hosted by the UK Department for International Development, the International Disability Alliance…
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AutismNewsMike’s Annual World Autism Awareness Day Statement
March 29, 2018

Mike’s Annual World Autism Awareness Day Statement

Yesterday afternoon, Mike gave his annual one-minute World Autism Awareness Day statement in the Canadian House of Commons, with his son, Jaden, watching from the gallery. Mike's statement read: "Mr.…
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AutismNewsCTV Alberta Primetime Story on Mike and Jaden
January 10, 2018

CTV Alberta Primetime Story on Mike and Jaden

Yesterday evening, Mike and his son, Jaden, were featured on CTV's Alberta Primetime to shine a spotlight on their global autism advocacy.  During the 10-minute story, Mike talked about Jaden's…
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AutismNewsCelebrating Differences at Camp Manitou
August 7, 2017

Celebrating Differences at Camp Manitou

This past weekend, Mike and his kids, Jaden and Jenae, were invited to be guest speakers to over 700 campers and staff at Camp Manitou, north of Toronto, on the…
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AutismNewsTEDx Talk – Mike and Jaden Lake: “Hard to reach: the power of the impossible mission”
July 19, 2017

TEDx Talk – Mike and Jaden Lake: “Hard to reach: the power of the impossible mission”

Mike and Jaden did a TEDx Talk! You don't see too many two-person TEDx Talks, but this one was so much better for having a very enthusiastic Jaden play a role.…
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AutismUnprecedented
June 21, 2017

Unprecedented

Today in the Canadian House of Commons, we saw the leaders of three of Canada's four national political parties put partisan interests aside, standing together for Canadians living with autism…
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AutismNewsMike and Jaden Visit The Agenda with Steve Paikin
May 24, 2017

Mike and Jaden Visit The Agenda with Steve Paikin

Last night on TVO's 'The Agenda with Steve Paikin', Mike and his son, Jaden, joined Steve for their annual conversation about autism. Steve has always welcomed the Lakes with open…
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AutismNewsCelebrating World Autism Awareness Day
April 7, 2015

Celebrating World Autism Awareness Day

Thursday April 2, 2015 was World Autism Awareness Day, and hundreds of Canadians gathered to celebrate autism awareness and appreciation on Parliament Hill last Wednesday. Mike, Hon. Candice Bergen, Minister…
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AutismNewsThe Suns in our Sons
April 2, 2015

The Suns in our Sons

Autism Ontario recently released a new feature on its website- Raise the Flag, which highlights stories of Canadians dealing with autism. This goal of the stories is to shine the light on autism…
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AutismNewsMike and Jaden Address International Autism Symposium
October 24, 2014

Mike and Jaden Address International Autism Symposium

On October 23 and 24, in two presentations at the Geneva Centre for Autism's International Symposium, Mike shared his story about living with his 18-year-old son, Jaden, who has autism. With…
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AutismNewsIt’s Autism Awareness Month in Canada
October 1, 2014

It’s Autism Awareness Month in Canada

October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada. As a Member of Parliament, Mike has been actively involved, at both a national and international level, in the field of autism. An…
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AutismNewsIt’s Autism Awareness Month in Canada
October 1, 2014

It’s Autism Awareness Month in Canada

October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada. As a Member of Parliament, Mike has been actively involved, at both a national and international level, in the field of autism. An…
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AutismNewsMike in the Media for World Autism Awareness Day
April 2, 2014

Mike in the Media for World Autism Awareness Day

Mike was featured in a number of interviews and articles for World Autism Awareness Day. The Huffington Post The Ottawa Citizen Metro News Canada AM CBC Power and Politics CTV…
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AutismNewsLight It Up Blue For World Autism Awareness Day
April 1, 2014

Light It Up Blue For World Autism Awareness Day

Mike was featured in an article on Strombo.com for World Autism Awareness Day. To read the article, click here. Photo: Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Canada, as captured by Jason…
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AutismNewsMike Visits PALS Autism School
February 28, 2014

Mike Visits PALS Autism School

On Friday, February 28th, Mike toured the PALS Autism School in Vancouver.  The purpose of the school is to provide year-round, scientifically-validated educational programs designed to encourage individual growth and personal achievement. For more information…
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AutismNewsBudget 2014: Supporting Canadians With Autism Spectrum Disorders
February 11, 2014

Budget 2014: Supporting Canadians With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes to provide $11.4 million over four years to support the expansion of vocational training programs for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Government recognizes the importance of…
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AutismNewsMike Visits Autism Artistry
January 17, 2014

Mike Visits Autism Artistry

On Friday, January 17, Mike had the opportunity to meet with Ben and Grant Kurtz.  The brothers, who both have autism, are passionate about art and photography.  With the help…
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AutismNewsMike Meets Temple Grandin at the Current Trends in Autism Conference
November 16, 2013

Mike Meets Temple Grandin at the Current Trends in Autism Conference

On Saturday, November 16, Mike had the opportunity to attend the Autism Trends Conference in Montreal, Quebec. Mike spoke with Temple Grandin, who was a guest speaker at the conference.…
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AutismNewsWalk Now for Autism Speaks Event in Rundle Park
September 8, 2013

Walk Now for Autism Speaks Event in Rundle Park

On Sunday, September 8, Mike and his family participated in Edmonton’s Walk Now for Autism Speaks event in Rundle Park.  The event was a huge success and raised over $250,000. Autism Speaks was founded…
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AutismNewsPancake Breakfast for Autism Society a Huge Success
June 22, 2013

Pancake Breakfast for Autism Society a Huge Success

Mike held a pancake breakfast in support of the Autism Society of Edmonton Area (ASEA) on Saturday, June 22, 2013.  The event was a huge success, raising over $52,000 for ASEA.…
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AutismNewsMike and Jaden Speak at Canucks Autism Network Family Festival
April 28, 2013

Mike and Jaden Speak at Canucks Autism Network Family Festival

On Sunday, April 28, Mike and Jaden attended the Canucks Autism Network Family Festival in Vancouver. The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides year-round, innovative, high quality sports, recreational, social and employment-related programs for individuals and families living with…
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