Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to make a statement concerning a very grave problems that we face in the Northwest Territories. This problem I speak of is fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect. There have been comments made that 40 to 60 per cent of the children in some of the schools are suffering from these effects. This problem occurs when women drink during their pregnancy and it affects the formation of the organs of the foetus. Also, when the father of a child drinks prior to making love, that can also affect the child. It's not only on the mother's part. It can affect fertility and miscarriage.
Some of the effects, Mr. Speaker, of fetal alcohol syndrome is that the children are born smaller, they are lower in weight, they get sick easily, they take longer to get better. Normally, an FAS child only matures to a grade 4 level and they usually do not become independent as adults. It also affects the nervous system. They can be colicky and fussy as a baby, they can be hyperactive as a toddler, they may have learning disabilities. It also affects facial features and causes birth defects such as heart defects, kidney problems, liver problems and smaller brain size.
It has been estimated that FAS costs approximately $100 million from birth to the age of 18, with extra education, health and everything else.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.