Right Now, We Need You: A Story of Advocacy From a Father and Son Living with Autism

GDP - The Global Development Primer

In so many parts of the world children with intellectual disabilities are excluded from education opportunities. Once they are shunned, they are stigmatized. Once stigma sets in, entire families can fall victim to various acts of hatred. It is why inclusive education for persons with physical and intellectual disabilities needs to count. The Honourable Mike Lake (PC MP) travels widely to tell audiences about the story of him and his son Jaden, who lives with non-communicative autism. Mike and Jaden's story is touching, inspiring and revealing. Revealing in how people who learn and work with Jaden gain a great deal from him when they begin to understand the world from his perspective rather than try to drag him into theirs. It's a powerful message that extends well into politics, and one that Mike Lake joins us today to discuss.

Mike is the six-term Conservative Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Wetaskiwin, first elected in 2006. In both 2019 and 2021, he received the highest vote total of any federal candidate, for any party, in Canada.

Mike served for eight years as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and was appointed to the Queen’s Privy Council in 2012. He has served as Shadow Minister for Youth, Sport, and Accessibility; International Development; and Mental Health, Addictions, and Suicide Prevention.

Prior to entering federal politics, Mike worked for 10 years with the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club where he served as National Accounts Manager, Director of Ticket Sales, and Group Sales Manager. Mike holds a Bachelor of Commerce (with distinction) from the University of Alberta.

Mike has two adult children, his son, Jaden, and daughter, Jenae. The Lakes have been active supporters of autism organizations, families and neurodiverse individuals across the country, and around the world, while sharing their story of life with Jaden, who has autism.

Follow Dr. Bob on "X": @ProfessorHuish

Check out Mike's "X": @MikeLakeMP