Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak today about how the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is meeting some of the challenges presented by fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect.

FAS/FAE, as they are generally referred to, are not new, but it is only in the past few decades that society has come to realize that prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs can result in a range of neurological or physical challenges that can affect a child's development.

Mr. Speaker, FAS/FAE are preventable. Education is a major factor in prevention of this condition. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has taken the following steps to educate children about FAS/FAE:

• • units on the effects of alcohol and drugs in the Northwest Territories health curriculum;
• • the "Skills for Healthy Relationships" program which addresses information, skills and attitudes needed by youth in order to make healthy lifestyle choices with regard to both alcohol use and sexuality issues; and
• • making videos and resources available to classroom teachers that identify preventative measures and increase awareness about FAS/FAE.

In addition to prevention, we must also help with those currently affected by FAS/FAE. This condition is complex and does not affect everybody the same way. We can, however, develop strategies to help students affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs to lead normal lives.

The focus in the school system is to support teachers in meeting the diverse needs of all children, including those who may be affected by FAS/FAE. The recently completed Student Support Needs Assessment will be used to guide the work of the department in developing resource guides and support materials for teachers. This will help them develop programs that will help to ensure that the diverse needs of students in the classroom are being met.

Mr. Speaker, many community schools work with student support teams. These teams may include school-community counsellors, program support teachers, social workers, alcohol and drug workers and community agencies. Student support teams take an integrated approach to helping students by raising awareness around the prevention of FAS/FAE and by providing necessary support services.

The members of the student support teams in the communities are, in turn, supported in their efforts through professional development opportunities and training coordinated by government departments. The recent, very successful Honouring the Spirit of our Children conference gave team members an opportunity to acquire new skills and learn strategies for dealing with the range of student needs in today's classrooms. That event, sponsored jointly by the Departments of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment, was open to delegates from across the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, it is critical that we continue to work together to educate parents, students and communities about FAS/FAE prevention and, concurrently, to provide strategies to teachers to help them provide support to students who have been diagnosed with FAS/FAE and their families. Thank you.

-- Applause