Luke was the 5th recipient of the Jim & Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award—a unanimous decision by the Award Committee. Luke was flown to Ottawa to receive the award, staying at the stunning Fairmont Chateau Laurier. He received the award, a painting by autistic artist Hope Flynn, at a special ceremony in the morning of Wednesday, April 15, 2026. 

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In the evening Luke was honoured at a Parliamentary Reception specifically for him and the previous 4 recipients. Each recipient prepared a speech, and Luke was able to pre-record his speech which was displayed on 4 large screens in the John A. Macdonald building, across from the Parliament buildings.

 

Former Senator Jim Munson asked if he could read Luke’s poem titled “My Place Outside Silence” at the end of the program. It was an honour. Click here to watch Mr. Munson read Luke’s poem.

 

It was an incredible day... many people had never seen someone communicate on a letterboard, or knew that nonspeaking autistics have powerful voices, waiting to be heard.

 

It was powerful and emotional. 

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Luke was also in Ottawa as a member of the Autistic Advisory Council for the National Autism Network of Canada, participating in an all-day review of the top 5 Priorities of Canada’s Autism Strategy on Monday, April 13, 2026.