Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Today I am going to talk about an issue that is not talked about a lot. That is the overrepresentation of persons with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder within the justice system.

Mr. Speaker, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a condition that is created when the fetus is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. The result is permanent brain damage, which causes a range of cognitive and emotional impediments, including difficulties in reasoning, judgment, and learning. However, physical effects are not always apparent, making FASD nearly invisible to the untrained eye.

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, one of the consequences of people with FASD is an increased risk for adverse outcomes involving the criminal justice system. Research indicates that 60 percent of our youth and adults who have FASD have reported contact with the justice system, and 35 percent have reported they have been incarcerated for a crime at some point in their life.

Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that one quarter of all inmates in Canada have FASD, despite accounting for only 4 percent of the general population. What is unknown, however, is the number of NWT inmates that have FASD, because the government does not track that. This brings me to the heart of the issue, which is that more work needs to be done in helping persons with FASD navigate the justice system.

In terms of solutions, Mr. Speaker, there are two pillars on the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action that address this very issue and present the best solutions. Firstly, all levels of government must recognize this as a high priority and need to address prevention of FASD by developing preventive programs in a culturally appropriate manner.

Secondly, the government must undertake criminal justice system reforms to better address the needs of offenders with FASD, which includes providing greater community resources and powers for courts to ensure FASD is properly diagnosed. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

---Unanimous consent granted