Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I attended the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership, FASD, meeting of northern and western Ministers in Victoria.
The partnership, established in 1998, is comprised of B.C., the three prairie provinces and the three territories. It represents an alliance of jurisdictions working towards the development and promotion of an inter-provincial/territorial approach to prevention, intervention, care and support of individuals affected by FASD.
The partnership has identified four specific areas of strategic focus:
- • research and evaluation
- • government leadership
- • community capacity
- • federal relations
Mr. Speaker, we know that FASD is 100 percent preventable. Therefore, it is critical that awareness and prevention activities continue to be developed and pursued, and individuals be given the support they need to make healthy choices.
Last fall, the partnership established a research network to coordinate research and development, specifically in the four western provinces and three territories. The intention is to compile evidence-based information that will guide progressive, inclusive policy, ultimately better the lives of individuals and families affected by the disorder.
What this means for the NWT is that we will be able to influence and have access to FASD research that is relevant to the NWT, taking into account northern, rural and aboriginal perspectives.
This past weekend was the inaugural meeting of the board of directors for the research network. The board is comprised of 15 members, including leading FASD and health care experts from each of the jurisdictions. Dr. Sterling Clarren, an internationally recognized expert in FASD, has been hired to lead the network as the CEO and scientific director.
As the network begins its work, it will be visiting each jurisdiction in the coming months to assess the public's priorities with respect to FASD.
At the same time as we are meeting, there was a major FASD conference being held, including participants from across Canada. I had an opportunity to sit in for part of the proceedings, including a presentation by a Cree judge from Saskatchewan who talked passionately about her experience in seeing daily in her court, the impacts of FASD on people's lives. It was a stark reminder that we must all work together to better understand and address this disorder, as it has far-reaching implications, including impacts on the justice system, education system, housing and homelessness.
Mr. Speaker, FASD affects about nine in every 1,000 children born in Canada each year and is the result of permanent brain damage. The work of the partnership will contribute to the prevention of FASD and to better the lives of individuals affected by this disorder. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause