Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, FASD, is a lifelong disability. Effective prevention efforts, early diagnosis, supportive environments and a range of special supports and services are necessary to assist individuals and their families in their journey toward self-reliance and well-being.
The Government of the Northwest Territories, GNWT, is committed to addressing the issue of FASD. As you may be aware, the GNWT has been a member of the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership since 2000. The NWT is now the lead jurisdiction for the group. The alliance is made up of seven jurisdictions that work towards the development and promotion of an inter-provincial/territorial approach to prevention, intervention, care and support of individuals affected with FASD.
On September 25th, as lead Minister of the partnership, Minister Miltenberger hosted a meeting in Yellowknife with Ministers from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Yukon, Nunavut and Saskatchewan participating. We would like to commend Mr. Miltenberger for his commitment and dedication to this important issue.
At the meeting, the annual report from the research network was reviewed and future research opportunities were discussed. The report on the most recent conference and the steering committee's annual activities report and work plan was discussed, as was the Even One is Too Many: A Call for a Comprehensive Action Plan for FASD, recently tabled by the federal Standing Committee on Health. Ministerial colleagues and the NWT will call on Health Canada and the standing committee to recognize the work of the partnership and ensure that meaningful consultation with our group occurs in the development of any national comprehensive plan for FASD.
This is the first time the NWT has hosted a Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership Ministers' meeting. There is great value in this work. All the participating territories and provinces share similar challenges and it makes sense that we work together to strengthen our efforts. Everyone will benefit from sharing experiences and resources and the NWT is bringing some exciting work forward.
The GNWT is committed to preventing FASD in our territory. It is an important task and with alliances such as this, we are working together to achieve this goal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause