Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. What we need are good resources and support to help expectant parents through a strong prenatal program and we need to identify children at an early age so they can get the help they need with language stimulation, for example. The community of Lutselk'e is to be commended for their recent participation in a pilot project to do FAS/FAE assessment. Children were looked at from infants to the age of six. A pediatrician took part to assist with speech and motor skills. The Native Women's Association was also part of the pilot project. Mr. Speaker, parents, teachers and health programs staff can all be working together and this is a prime example of that.
If children are to be identified as FAS/FAE at a very early age, it can then treat those children with problems right into adulthood. Our present system is a testament to that. A direct link has been found between learning disabilities and present inmates in the United States, Mr. Speaker. FAS/FAE brings varying degrees of learning disabilities and inappropriate behaviours. The children and adults with this problem need the support of the community and it is up to us, as leaders, to give them all the support they need.
The Yellowknife Correctional Centre is dealing with this very issue. Inmates there are benefiting from literacy programs designed for those that learn at a slower pace due to FAS/FAE. This type of program needs to be developed for other adults with this major problem. I applaud the Justice department for developing programs that meet the needs of Northerners with this problem.
At the end of the day, Mr. Speaker, the ultimate responsibility lies with the person who is carrying the baby. I will have questions for the Minister responsible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause