Bonjour, mes amis. Good afternoon, everyone, on the first day of March. I would say it is rather "lionish" out today, so March is officially coming in like a lion. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Health, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with colleagues in this House, to speak to the issue of fetal alcohol syndrome and effect, better known as FAS and FAE.

As Members know, the use of alcohol by pregnant women can lead to a number of social and health problems. One of the more serious long-term health consequences of drinking during pregnancy is that the baby is placed at risk of developing FAS or FAE.

FAS is a medical condition and symptoms include brain damage, developmental delays, behavioural problems and learning difficulties. FAE describes the medical condition where not all of the characteristics of FAS are present in a child.

Mr. Speaker, national estimates on the incidence of FAS and FAE are not available, nor do records currently exist for the Northwest Territories. However, we do know that here in the NWT, FAS/FAE are serious issues that require preventative action by our government and our communities. A 1993 Department of Health and Social Services survey showed that up to 25 percent of women surveyed reported drinking while they were pregnant. Since research shows there is no safe level of alcohol that can be consumed while pregnant, this means that nearly one-quarter of the babies in this survey were at higher risk of developing FAS or FAE.

The impact of FAS and FAE on victims, families and communities is devastating. The financial costs to government do not even begin to capture the suffering of affected children and their families. There are considerable challenges that FAS victims must live with for their entire lives, and it is tragic to think of the lost potential.

We believe that FAS/FAE is contributing significantly to the rising cost of health care in the Northwest Territories. A preliminary study at Stanton Hospital in 1998 confirmed that children with FAS have significantly greater use of hospital services. These children will require more health and social

care at the community level, as well as additional educational support. On average, the cost of treating and providing services to a single affected child may run as high as $65,000 a year. We are already seeing cases of adult FAS victims who require highly specialized, secure placements, which can cost well over $300,000 a year.

Mr. Speaker, in Towards A Better Tomorrow, we affirmed that priority must be given to improving the health and social well-being of Northerners. We recognized that we must invest in early childhood development and support the needs of mothers and families. These are critical steps in working to address the problem of FAS/FAE.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services has been very active in addressing this highly preventable condition. The department has been working in partnership with the Status of Women Council of the NWT and the Native Women's Association of the NWT on a public education campaign about FAS/FAE.

The FAS/FAE awareness campaign focuses on the underlying causes of why women drink. There are often complex social and psychological issues that contribute to an addiction that are very difficult for some people to overcome. Without the necessary supports in place such as government services and supports from the family, friends or community, individuals often face their addictions, fears and issues alone.

The campaign was launched last November during National Addictions Awareness Week. The theme, Keep Families Strong, speaks to the need for building strong supports for pregnant women. A key message of the campaign is to prevent FAS/FAE by supporting recovery from addictions and abuse. To help build awareness and to communicate these important messages, a number of resources have been developed. They are included in the display in the Great Hall and have been distributed to communities through the Status of Women and Native Women's Association. In addition, two television ads will be released later this month.

I am also pleased to report to Members on an FAS/FAE pilot project that took place in Lutselk'e last week. This project was initiated by the Lutselk'e Health and Social Services Board in partnership with the department, the Native Women's Association and Dr. Nicole Chatel, an NWT pediatrician who has extensive experience working with children affected by FAS/FAE, and their families. The Lutselk'e pilot project included screening for early childhood developmental delays and diagnosis of FAS/FAE and related disorders by the pediatrician. As well, onsite counselling and support was available to families by the Native Women's Association. The project has also led to a number of community-based activities, including:

• • a parenting skills workshop that will be offered to parents who are experiencing difficulty in coping with children with FAS;
• • home visits to families to provide additional supports; and
• • a workshop for youth to talk about dealing with trauma and developing strategies to keep themselves safe.

Mr. Speaker, early reports suggest that this pilot project was very successful and well received by the community. The department will evaluate this project to determine its suitability for use in other regions and communities. As Members know, there is also a three-day workshop on FAS taking place in Fort Simpson at this time.

Recently, we conducted a survey of licensed liquor outlets to gain a better understanding of how these establishments might support alcohol-free pregnancies. This survey confirmed that we need to work with these establishments to promote awareness of FAS/FAE and their role in helping support alcohol-free pregnancies. From work done in other jurisdictions, it is known that actions as simple as asking bars to provide pregnant customers with complementary alcohol-free beverages can make a difference.

In addition, our government, along with the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Yukon, is a member of the Prairie Northern FAS Partnership. We will be participating in a conference in May where we will present our initiatives, including the pilot project.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that FAS/FAE prevention is a major component in a number of initiatives currently underway, including the Early Childhood Development Action Plan, the department's Healthy Pregnancies Strategy and the Addictions and Mental Health Strategy.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the Status of Women Council, the Native Women's Association, the Yellowknife Association for Community Living, the Lutselk'e Health and Social Services Board, Health Canada and Dr. Nicole Chatel for their ongoing efforts and contributions. With their efforts, we are working to prevent FAS/FAE and providing the necessary supports to individuals and families who are dealing with FAS/FAE. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Déclarations de ministres. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

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

Merci, Monsieur Ootes. Déclarations de ministres. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, today all Regular Members have decided to focus on an issue that is having severe repercussions on the people and Government of the Northwest Territories -- fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect. Mr. Speaker, we are pleased the Cabinet Members are joining with us to discuss these conditions. Fetal alcohol syndrome, also known as FAS, as we all know, is a name given to a combination of mental and physical defects that a child is born with. These mental and physical defects are a direct result of the mother drinking alcohol while she was pregnant.

Fetal alcohol effect, Mr. Speaker, shares some of the same characteristics of FAS, but is not always as evident. However, babies with fetal alcohol effect, or FAE, often have the same amount of brain damage as children born with FAS.

Mr. Speaker, the saddest thing about FAE and FAS is that the effects are permanent. They are with the child for his or her whole life. There is no cure. However, Mr. Speaker, as we have already heard, both are completely preventable. FAE and FAS cross all socio-economic groups and affect all races. In the United States, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services reports that the extra institutional and medical costs over the lifespan of a child born with FAS are expected to run between $1.5 million and $2.2 million in their lifetime. Mr. Speaker, that is in American dollars. If you convert this to Canadian dollars, the expected extra cost would run between $2.3 million and $3 million Canadian for each child.

However, Mr. Speaker, the biggest cost is not the financial one, but the personal one, the lost human potential. Each child born with FAE and FAS faces a life full of physical, emotional and mental challenges. Mr. Speaker, the incidence of FAS and FAE are under-reported. For every child identified with FAS, there are several others who are affected but lack the full set of characteristics for diagnosis. FAE is estimated to be three to ten times the incidence of diagnosed FAS cases.

Mr. Speaker, we are presently in a budget session. Budgets are used to plan for our future. Everyone agrees that FAS and FAE have become a major issue in the Northwest Territories, but because of the lack of services for diagnosis, we do not have reliable statistics available. Clinical diagnosis and good statistical information are necessary for planning programs, services and facilities. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There having been no nays, Mr. Dent, you may conclude.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, honourable Members. As I was saying, Mr. Speaker, in order to plan programs, services and facilities, we need to have good statistical information. Unfortunately, there is a glaring omission in our budget. Residents of the Northwest Territories are concerned that the incidence of FAS and FAE in the Northwest Territories may be increasing, but it is impossible to identify the present magnitude of FAS and FAE in the Northwest Territories and our present budget does not address this issue.

Mr. Speaker, there are many government departments that feel the impacts of FAE and FAS in one way or another. However, this government does not have a government-wide action plan for FAE/FAS. Each department appears to be dealing with this problem independently. There is no coordinated approach, Mr. Speaker. Given the magnitude of the problem, there is a real need for the development of a government-wide action plan on FAE and FAS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Merci, Monsieur Dent. Déclarations de députés. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Déclarations de députés. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too wish to speak about fetal alcohol syndrome and effect. Far too many people in the Northwest Territories are suffering the effects of FAS/FAE, either personally or in their family.

It is not possible to quantify the costs of FAS/FAE in lost human potential, but there is no doubt that it is huge. There is a great need for awareness development, prevention programs, development of diagnosis and assessment techniques and support for children, youth and adults with FAS/FAE. Mr. Speaker, FAS/FAE is 100 percent preventable.

I applaud the efforts of those who are working in partnership to overcome the challenges this syndrome represents, especially the Native Women's Association, the Status of Women Council, and our own Department of Health and Social Services.

I also want to express support to the many parents and foster parents who also work with tremendous dedication to assist children suffering the effects of this disability. They need the support of medical specialists, the non-government agencies, volunteer groups and the government as they work to dedicate themselves to doing the very best they can for the children in their care.

Awareness initiatives are essential. This is not just a matter for mothers. It is an awareness that we all must have. We are all responsible and able to help prevent this condition that places limits on too many children's prospects of a self-sufficient, satisfying life. Every family, supporting agency and institution providing...

Mr. Handley, the time for your Member's statement has expired.

Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There being no nays, Mr. Handley, you may conclude.

Mr. Speaker, I want to repeat, this condition is 100 percent preventable. It is important to provide support and healing for women who may be at risk of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Partners, parents, family and community all have an important role in this. Family violence, child abuse and even attitudes of blame or shame must be overcome. It only makes it more difficult for high-risk individuals to seek help.

Diagnosis and assessment is very difficult but necessary. We do not know how many individuals are affected by FAS or to what extent. Without a territorial assessment process for diagnosis, there are limits available on treatment.

Support for children, youth and adults with FAS is essential. Parents, teachers and other supporting people need more information on the best ways to work with children with FAS. Above all, addressing FAS is a complex and multi-faceted task that requires all of us to work together with care and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, by working together with care and compassion, we will make a difference. FAS/FAE is 100 percent preventable. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. I just want to remind Members that Member's statements are two-and-a-half minutes. Of course, realizing the importance of the subject, the Chair does not like to draw away from that attention. However, in view of the number of Members who wish to speak on this subject, the Chair will be as diligent as it can be under the circumstances. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week the Minister responsible for Justice told us in this House about the consultation process that his department was undertaking to inform the residents of the Northwest Territories about the Human Rights Act.

Mr. Speaker, by way of background, basic notions of human rights have been around since the early ages of human civilization. The modern concepts of human rights emerged in 18th century Europe from the struggles for the rights of man. Mr. Speaker, these struggles focused on the rights of individuals to be left alone by the state, and were more negative in that they only required that the state not interfere. These were known, Mr. Speaker, as first generation rights and included the rights of expression, religion and assembly.

Mr. Speaker, presently in the Northwest Territories we have a very unique opportunity to look again at our current human rights legislation and to mould it into what we think should be protected under the general term "human rights." Mr. Speaker, there are those who state that expressive instances of discrimination in Canada are on the decline. However, more subdued and harmful discrimination persists. Equal treatment for all people does not produce equal rights.

Mr. Speaker, as we know, fetal alcohol syndrome, or FAS, is a medical diagnosis that refers to a set of alcohol-related disabilities associated with the use of alcohol during pregnancy. Possible fetal alcohol effect, or FAE, indicates that alcohol being consumed is one of the possible causes for a child's birth defects.

Mr. Speaker, I submit to you that persons with these types of disabilities will be affected by the definition of disability that will be included in the proposed Human Rights Act. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister of Justice how persons with these types of disabilities will be protected by the new human rights legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Déclarations de députés. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to add my voice to this very pressing issue that concerns all of us. Mr. Speaker, there are many myths about FAS that create barriers and hardships for those living with it. I would like to discuss today just a few of those myths that surround this condition.

One myth leads people to believe that behavioural problems associated with FAS/FAE are the result of poor parenting. However, experts in the field know that people with FAS/FAE do not process information in the same way that other people do. This can lead to behavioural problems.

There is the myth that children affected by FAS will grow out of it when they grow up. There is the shocking reality that FAS lasts a lifetime. However, early diagnosis, intervention and supportive services make a difference in reducing the other health, emotional and social problems that can result from FAS. This gives people with FAS an opportunity to be productive and healthy members of society.

The needs of children with FAS are often misunderstood. Their actions need to be viewed as a product of a disability, not an act of will. An intensive, coordinated approach is needed to respond to children with FAS over their lifespan. We need to understand, respect and support their disability.

Affordable, available, accessible and knowledgeable help is needed, Mr. Speaker. The first step towards this support and the development of a comprehensive community action plan begins by having accessible diagnostic and assessment services, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 3, Members' statements. Déclarations de députés. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

The time for your Member's statement has ended, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his Member's statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays, Mr. Antoine, you may conclude.

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Déclarations de députés. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. FAS and FAE are preventable but not treatable. This means that when a child is born with FAS, we will have to deal with the consequences every day for the rest of that child's life. Experts in the field know that people with FAS do not process information the same way other people do. Many FAS children have impaired rates of learning, exhibit reduced attention spans, are easily distracted, and demonstrate poor social judgment.

Mr. Speaker, the policy of our government is for inclusive education. This allows for each child to be in a classroom with peers their own age. However, to allow a child with FAS to progress with his or her peers it is necessary for them to have learning programs specific to their needs.

Mr. Speaker, teachers in the Northwest Territories face a dilemma. In order for children with learning disabilities to progress with their classmates, individual programs have to be developed. However, in order for effective individual programs to be developed, it is necessary for an assessment to be performed on the child. Testing and assessment of disabilities is a specialized field and one that most teachers are not trained or qualified to provide. Presently, there is only one qualified individual in the North who can perform FAS assessments.

Mr. Speaker, when a teacher graduates from a recognized college or university, they have areas of expertise. There are teachers who specialize in special needs. These individuals are trained to develop programs for students with learning disabilities. The majority of classroom teachers are trained to teach children with average abilities. They do not have extensive training in the development of programs for students with special needs.

Mr. Speaker, I have the utmost respect for the teachers in our classrooms. Myself, I would not like to be placed in a classroom and be responsible for maintaining the interest of, disciplining and instructing 18 or so students with varying degrees of abilities. Each and every teacher is trying to do his or her best. Our system must supply more support for the classroom teacher in the area of special needs assessment and the development of programs for students identified with learning disabilities. We owe this to both the teacher and the child.

FAS is a territorial problem, Mr. Speaker. Consultants in B.C. are producing FAS training modules which may be used by other regions across the country. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the Departments of ECE and Health and Social Services should investigate these modules or develop modules of their own that could assist teachers in developing individual programs for children with FAS in the classroom. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 3, Members' statements. Déclarations de députés. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, FAS is not new. It has been with us since the discovery of alcohol. It has just taken us this long to figure out the great damaging affects of alcohol ingested during pregnancy. We have heard the grim statistics today in this House, the most sobering one being that 25 percent of women have acknowledged that they drink during pregnancy.

Mr. Speaker, the issue of special needs has been before this House my whole time as an MLA and it has been very, very emotional and very, very pressing. One of the big issues is, how do we deal with special needs children in the schools?

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Education referenced the Student Support Needs Assessment for the Year 2000, and I have gone through the document a couple of times, read it and I have made some underlinings. While it acknowledges that there are problems and they have done lots of work in this area, there is no specific or clear reference to FAS or FAE. There are references to all types of behavioural issues and some disabilities such as attention deficit disorder, Mr. Speaker, but as we have heard in this House, while diagnosis is difficult, unless you know what you are dealing with in a school, it is very difficult to prepare a proper plan for that individual child.

A behavioural problem, because there are problems at home resulting from a possible separation in the family or other family problems, is going to be a totally different problem than anger management problems at school resulting from FAS or FAE, Mr. Speaker. Therefore, I would encourage the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment to take a look at how they can improve this document. It is a good start, but very clearly if we want to really make a difference and try to provide the best service possible for children with FAS/FAE, when we do student support needs assessments, it has to be identified, as it has been in this House, as a very critical problem, that while preventable, is not treatable.

When we start doing that, then we can start building the kind of programs and the kinds of supports that we need to deal with these very special children. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 3, Members' statements. Déclarations de députés. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over two years ago, I made my concerns known to this government on FAS/FAE. Two years, Mr. Speaker, and not much has really changed. As an example, there is still only one medical specialist who is capable of properly diagnosing FAS/FAE in the Northwest Territories.

That is unacceptable, Mr. Speaker. A moderate form of FAE can cause low birth weight and growth, small body size, and also skeletal abnormalities. Mr. Speaker, children and adults who suffer from these conditions have difficulty understanding and learning. We know that FAE is preventable, but it is also incurable.

Mr. Speaker, in spite of the recent funding proposed for the Early Childhood Development Action Plan, it is still not enough to enable us to address FAS/FAE needs. We need more funds and resources to provide public education and preventative programs that will support the victims, especially our children.

In the Mackenzie Delta, there is the need to address the problem of FAE/FAS, especially in our education system. Some seriously affected students, especially the ones with disabilities who need extensive supervision and others need support to help reach their full potential.

I acknowledge that the government's FAS initiatives in the Beaufort Delta region have started. They have taken on some programs which include FAS parent workshops, in-home support, working groups and support in early childhood programs. Mr. Speaker, it is still not enough.

Mr. Speaker, from 1997-98 to 1998-99 in Fort McPherson there has only been a 0.3 percent increase in the number of teaching positions, an increase that is only one-third of a position in the classroom. The divisional board of education teachers have demanded more allocation and more resources to assist them in their classroom. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There having been no nays, Mr. Krutko, you may conclude.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the divisional board of education in the Beaufort Delta has identified teacher allocation as being insufficient. There is a basic need to ensure that we have the teachers in the classrooms that are needed to assist with this major problem of FAS/FAE in the classroom. The needs in our education system have to be a priority of this government and along with providing support to the FAS/FAE students, we must ensure we have the programs to assist them. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be asking this government questions to update us and brief us as to exactly what efforts have been made to improve the FAS/FAE effects in our communities.

-- Applause

Merci, Monsieur Krutko. Déclarations de députés. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There being no nays, Mr. Nitah, you may conclude.

Déclarations de députés. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are holding this theme day on fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect to raise the awareness of the problems in the Northwest Territories. For too long, there has been a stigmatism attached to admitting that there is a problem. I know this, Mr. Speaker, because in the past I have seen the unwillingness to talk about this problem in the communities that I represent.

I am proud to say, Mr. Speaker, this is no longer the case. For example, the community of Fort Providence, through programs developed by the Deh Gah Elementary and Secondary School, is tackling the issue of FAS and FAE. Through positive programs that do not attach blame or identify children with FAS or FAE, the school is creating an atmosphere that ensures all students, including those with FAS and FAE, can make the most out of their educational experience. To ensure that students are not distracted, hallways have been cleared of all displays. Teachers now focus on teaching expected behaviour rather than punishing students for unacceptable behaviour.

The school has also shortened the school day by eliminating the afternoon recess, so that end of the day programs can be offered that build on the student's interests and strengths. Mr. Speaker, this initiative, although started at the pre-school, has evolved to include the community.

Representatives from Education, Culture and Employment, Health and Social Services, the Department of Justice, and Deh Gah Gotie Dene Council, the Aboriginal Head Start and the friendship centre are now involved. At a recent interagency meeting to allocate the Brighter Futures dollars for the upcoming fiscal year, it was reaffirmed that FAS and FAE would remain a high priority in the community.

In the month of March, there will be an awareness and prevention session for students. The interagency group and the school staff will attend the FAS conference in High Level. From April 5th to the 10th, there will be a course open to anyone but primarily for social workers, nurses, educators and other caregivers on supporting FAS- and FAE-affected persons.

So you see, Mr. Speaker, some communities are dealing head on with the issues of FAS and FAE and are serving as models for other communities in what you can do if you take a cooperative approach. Now, Mr. Speaker, perhaps the government could perhaps take note of the benefit of a cooperative approach.

All government departments must work together to reduce the incidence of FAS/FAE, to treat those people already affected by this preventable condition. Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to continue my statement.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There having been no nays, Mr. McLeod, you may continue.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment and education boards must allow the schools to implement strategies that will support children with FAE and FAS. We must decrease the student-teacher ratios. We must provide teachers with the training to deal with the students affected with FAE and FAS to look at changes to the curriculum. We must provide support both financially and morally to non-government organizations such as friendship centres who are on the front line in delivering preventative programs aimed at reducing the incidents of FAS/FAE.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the efforts of the communities in the Deh Cho for their efforts in dealing with the issue of FAS and FAE. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Mr. Speaker, we all know that each child born with FAE or FAS faces a life of physical, emotional and mental challenges. Often, Mr. Speaker, the physical defects will be less serious than the overall intellectual and emotional hurdles. In one study of older adolescents with FAS, researchers found reading comprehension was below a grade 4 level, arithmetic scores were at a grade 2 level, and the social and intellectual behaviour averaged that of a seven-and-a-half-year-old child. Reasoning, judgement, self-control are severely impaired in an individual with FAS.

Mr. Speaker, I have heard anecdotal information that in some classrooms in the Northwest Territories there may be a population as high as 60 percent of people suffering from this. Even if this situation is only half as bad, we are facing a situation of crisis proportion in the decades to come.

Prevention will be an important component of our overall plan, but we are also compelled to deal with the people who have already been affected. The victims and families of FAE/FAS will need early diagnosis and treatment so children can reach their potential. We will need assistance in the classroom and the community for children and adults with FAE/FAS.

We will need structured residential facilities for adults who cannot live in a home setting. In short, Mr. Speaker, we will need a continuum of care for decades to come for people who suffer from FAE/FAS. Using jails, medical long-term care facilities or institutions to warehouse adults is not acceptable today and it will not be in the future.

Additionally, Mr. Speaker, the government should take the lead to destigmatize this situation at the territorial, community and the family levels. Here is the key, Mr. Speaker. Whereas we admit there is a problem, we are finding ways that we can develop solutions. Fort Simpson and Lutselk'e, as we have heard, are two communities with recent progress in this. As my colleague has mentioned, the Department of Justice has introduced a program at the Yellowknife Correctional Centre to help inmates with just this kind of innovative programming.

Mr. Speaker, through the Early Childhood Development Action Plan, health care and educational professionals are receiving additional funding, but I have yet to hear the actual dollar amount that will focus on FAE/FAS. I seek consent, Mr. Speaker, to conclude.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There having been no nays, Mr. Braden, you may continue.

Where does this leave us, Mr. Speaker? Where does this leave us? We appear to be making progress in dealing with children with FAE/FAS, but there are no apparent contingencies, either today or in the future, for adults with FAE/FAS other than jail and long-term care medical facilities. I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services on the need for the continuum of care for people who suffer from FAE/FAS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In view of the many comments made today in the House in regard to the matter of FAS/FAE, I would like to share my own personal experiences on this very matter, as it has been a valuable life experience for me personally. Not only since raising a stepdaughter who is diagnosed with FAE, but I have also worked with many young offenders who have been diagnosed with similar characteristics, Mr. Speaker.

In my work with young people with these symptoms, quite often the medical community felt that the only way to eradicate any behavioural problems was to put them on Ritalin. Mr. Speaker, one of the first steps I have taken as a parent was to prevent the use of this drug to suppress any kind of erratic behaviour, basically forbidding the administration of this drug to the child who required a different technique in her development.

Mr. Speaker, in listening to what has been said in this House today, I can only say to the Members that anyone who works with or has raised a child with these symptoms should share in this concern. Sometimes it requires tremendous patience and special care in working with a special child. As of today, this child, who is now 13, can only read at a grade 2 level, but her mother has spent a lot of time and dedication and fortitude which has helped her develop good oral skills that I am very proud of, Mr. Speaker.

In terms of how we deal with these special people, I have always advocated a need to develop a special school for them. Unfortunately, the ideology is to keep everyone in the classroom, hoping they would integrate and function at that same level. We know that clinically, this is impossible. I continue to urge the Members to support this alternative approach.

I cannot agree more that we need to educate future mothers on the effects of FAS/FAE so it would be most appropriate to introduce education and the effects that alcohol and drugs will have on unborn or newborn babies because the mother was consuming alcohol during pregnancy.

Mr. Speaker, I am no authority on the subject matter, but I have found through my own experience and common ground which I dealt with it, a lot of tough love, the coach's approach and a lot of patience pays dividends. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I share the comments of my colleagues that we need to find methods that deal in the prevention of FAS/FAE. As a surrogate father to a child who has...

Your time for your Member's statement has expired, Mr. Allen.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There having been no nays, Mr. Allen, you may continue.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, my fellow colleagues. Again, as a surrogate father to a child who has been diagnosed, I would like to let you know that our commitment to this challenge will be extended far beyond the needs of a normal child to which we have worked hard to fulfill that commitment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today we have focused upon FAS and FAE and the impact it has on government, schools, correctional institutions, the individuals themselves and the community. As Members of this Assembly, we have dealt with FAS/FAE for just a small amount of time compared to those who deal with it on a daily basis.

These are the people who live with the profound impact of FAS/FAE on a daily basis; the birth mother, the father, the adoptive or foster parents, the family, the teacher, the fellow student, classroom assistants, supervisors, the community and the affected individual, to name a few.

The support people in groups that work with people with FAS and FAE are often unappreciated. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the volunteers and non-government agencies that devote time and money in order to assist people with FAS/FAE and other cognitive disabilities.

The FAS community team has been instrumental in today's theme on FAS and FAE. Members of the FAS community team include representatives of the following groups: the Department of Health and Social Services, parents, public health, Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories, Tree of Peace, Yellowknife Women's Centre, Yellowknives Dene Community Wellness Program, Stanton Regional Hospital Pediatric Rehab Team, Mackenzie Regional Health, and the Northwest Territories Council for the Disabled Persons. My apologies if I have missed any of the other groups involved.

Mr. Speaker, in May 1996 the Status of Women Council of the NWT released a report entitled, Keeping Women and Communities Strong-Women, Substance Abuse and FAS/FAE, an NWT Needs Assessment. This is a valuable document as a source of information for FAS/FAE in the Northwest Territories. It sets out the groundwork for what should be done to confront our problems with FAS/FAE. Unfortunately, all of the recommendations within the document have not been acted upon.

Mr. Speaker, there are no statistics on the extent of FAS/FAE in the NWT. We operate in a void. The Special Committee on Health and Social Services, a committee of this House, stated in 1993: "We heard estimates of anywhere from 15 to 50 percent of the students..."

Mr. Roland, the time for your Member's statement has expired.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There having been no nays, Mr. Roland, you may conclude.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the Special Committee on Health and Social Services, a committee of this House, stated in 1993:

"We heard estimates that anywhere from 15 to 50 percent of the students in a given school, and up to 25 percent in one region, may show the effects of FAS/FAE."

As a Territory, we have no idea of the magnitude of our problems with FAS/FAE. As a government, we have not adopted any strategy or plan to deal with this problem. It will not go away. Often, we have left it up to outside agencies and community groups to deal with the issue. Perhaps now is the time to work with our partners and deal with FAS/FAE in a planned and coordinated way. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 3, Members' statements. Déclarations de députés. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have a number of visitors in our gallery today because of our theme. I will have to ask for the assistance from my colleague, the deputy chair of AOC, to recognize as many as possible.

We have today Mr. Brian Harrison for the Yellowknife Association of Community Living; Ms. Helen Farrigan for the FAS project as Yellowknife Association of Community Living; Kathy Landry is also from that organization; Kiran Kanwal is here from Health and Social Services, Government of the Northwest Territories; Ann Kennedy from Yellowknife Foster Families Association; Elizabeth Von Vlaricon from Bosco Homes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Following on Mr. Dent's recognition, we also have in the gallery Dianne Cook and Emily Cork, from the NWT Council for the Disabled; Pat Dove, Barb Andrews, Mike Saloy and Krista Gill from the YWCA; we have Liz Baille from the YK Catholic Schools; Pat Struess from YK Foster Families; and Jolene Bordak and Georgina Firth, concerned residents. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to recognize the people who have joined us today in this very important discussion. In particular, I would like to recognize several: Mr. Jim Peterson, who is the president of the Barren Ground Outfitters Association; Mr. John Evans, a captain with First Air and a good Weledeh resident. I had seen Chiefs Rick Edjericon and Peter Liske. I cannot see them right now, but they were with us a while ago. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a Hay River resident who technically is not in my riding but he is my neighbour and lives on the same street, Gordon Norbert. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a great deal of pleasure for me to recognize someone who is not from my constituency, but who does work for all of Yellowknife and all of the Northwest Territories, a very important person in many of our lives, Captain Al Hough from the Salvation Army here in the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Welcome, Captain Hough. He is also the president of the Yellowknife Rotary Club. I believe you have a Page serving with us today, Captain Hough. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier. As was mentioned earlier, there are a number of Government of the Northwest Territories departments that are involved in the treatment, identification and prevention of FAS/FAE. Government departments need to coordinate their efforts to ensure that there is a cohesive and cooperative approach being taken. In this case, we can learn from our neighbours.

In the early 1990s, the Government of the Yukon developed a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effect Action Plan. This document addressed prevention programs, services to people affected by FAS/FAE, community involvement, integration of services and research.

Mr. Speaker, the concept of a government-wide action plan for FAS/FAE is not new. Is the Government of the Northwest Territories willing to consider the development of an action plan for fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government is interested in developing such an approach and is currently working on that. The Minister taking the lead on this initiative is the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Jane Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think that is extremely welcome news that the government is in fact moving forward with this kind of approach. I think it is good to hear Minister Groenewegen is in the lead. Can the Premier advise this House when we can expect to see such a plan tabled within this House?

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe the intent is for the Minister to discuss an approach that would involve coordination with other Ministers and the Cabinet and come up with some suggestions to Cabinet in the next few months about how we may best involve all Members of the Legislature in the development of what we would call a social agenda, a social action plan and further, how to look for ways to seek the full involvement of the aboriginal governments, the aboriginal leaders and other interested groups in the Northwest Territories to work in partnership on an approach that could effectively address the difficulties we see with fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect.

This is what we will be expecting the Minister to bring to Cabinet and ultimately to all Members of the Legislature in the next few months. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I certainly support the government moving forward with a social agenda, but I believe that is going to be a very big undertaking. I think that because of the importance and the urgency of dealing with this issue, I would hope that the Premier would put an emphasis on getting a coordinated plan for this government on FAS/FAE before this House, hopefully by the May session. Will the Premier try to encourage the lead Minister to be able to develop that for the House by May? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps we will be looking to continue some short-term initiatives between the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. We still need a broad approach, a collaborative, partnership approach.

As Members know, we have our agenda, Towards A Better Tomorrow, an economic plan that involves all communities, aboriginal groups, governments and the private sector in developing an economic plan, but we also need, in order to assure our people that we are thinking about their social well-being as well, something we can start calling a social agenda, a social plan.

We need to make sure that it is all-inclusive as we start to develop it. We do not want to end up with a plan that is all printed up in brochures and announced to the public. We want to make sure that Members of the Legislative Assembly are involved in this, as well as the aboriginal governments, who we will seek partnerships with. This will be the approach that I think we will take. We will try to come with something to the next session, which I believe will be some time at the end of May. Thank you.

Merci, Mr. Kakfwi. Final supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Premier's commitment to consultation and his commitment to try and bring something forward by May. Just for certainty, he only mentioned the Ministers responsible for Education and for Health. I would hope that he would remember that we are looking for a government-wide approach. This should include the Department of Justice, the Minister for Youth, as this problem touches every department of government.

Will the Minister make sure that it is a broad approach? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand corrected. The Member is correct. There are other Ministers that I should have rattled off here on my list. My list was short, but it shall include all of Cabinet. Thank you for that.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I alone cannot increase funding to address these issues, but as Mr. Lafferty has said, there has been $2 million per year allocated over the next three years to address early childhood development. Within the four broad categories of parenting and family support; pregnancy, birth and infancy; early childhood care and learning; and community support, there is capacity for dealing with FAS/FAE. I do not have an exact breakdown of the specific dollars that would be dedicated to FAS/FAE prevention and support, but as this particular initiative rolls out we will be in a position to clearly identify which initiatives in these areas pertain to FAS/FAE. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is part of this government's objective to ensure that Northerners are trained to do all different sorts of work in the social area and certainly early childhood education is one of them. As to the availability of programs for this type of training offered by the college, I will commit to work with my colleague, Mr. Ootes, to identify what is available and to ensure that there is ongoing capacity. This also ties in with our desire to maximize northern employment. Thank you.

Merci, Madam Groenewegen. Supplementary question. Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we will be looking at community resource centre pilot projects. We will be looking at resource kits that would be provided to different target groups within all communities. This is a very comprehensive program and it will not exclusively result in the provision of financial resources for community-based initiatives. We will also look at territorial-wide initiatives that would encompass all communities. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Minister. Your final supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, FAS and FAE do come up at our federal/provincial/territorial meetings. Also, more specifically, the Ministers from the prairie northern provinces get together on a regular basis to discuss FAS/FAE specifically. We have a Prairie Northern Coalition on FAS/FAE and this is an opportunity to share our experience here in the North, and also to gain valuable insight into what other jurisdictions are doing, and the kinds of initiatives they are undertaking, what is successful. It is an excellent opportunity to discuss the challenges our Territory faces regarding FAS/FAE. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Minister. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in our discussions today concerning FAS, it has been noted that this is a medical diagnosis that refers to a set of alcohol-related disabilities.

Can the Minister of Justice tell this House what consultation the department has had, or intends to have, with disability groups or those who advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities, with regard to a new Human Rights Act? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, different jurisdictions across Canada have wide-ranging definitions used within their human rights legislation. The Saskatchewan human rights code partially defines disabilities as any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defects or illness. Can the Minister advise this House how disability will be defined in the new human rights legislation?

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Antoine.