Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have chaired the most recent Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership, CNFASDP, Ministers’ meeting on March 10th. The NWT is the lead jurisdiction for the partnership, and Ministers from Nunavut, Yukon, British Columbia and Manitoba, along with representatives from Alberta and Saskatchewan, attended the meeting in Victoria, B.C.

The partnership recognizes the importance of addressing the issue of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD, by sharing information and best practices in order to promote and develop prevention, intervention, care and support strategies for individuals affected by FASD.

Two years ago, the partnership established a research network to carry out and support research initiatives in western and northern Canada. At the meeting in Victoria, Ministers agreed to increase the funding of this research network to ensure projects underway can continue and to leverage alternative funding.

Ministers from the partnership were invited to attend the closing ceremonies of an international FASD conference held concurrently in Victoria. This conference was sponsored in part by the partnership. The closing ceremonies provided an opportunity for children and young adults with FASD to recognize the work and added value the partnership brings to the lives of children, families and communities affected by FASD.

During the past year, the partnership has achieved a number of other successes. For example:

network action teams with lead agencies in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia were established;

Saskatchewan hosted a biannual conference attended by 650 delegates from every province and territory, and the United States, and countries as far away as Africa;

the research network carried out consultations with First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities; and

a meeting was held in Yellowknife in September 2006, where Ministers discussed the research priorities of the network in future years.

Manitoba will be assuming the lead of the partnership at the end of this fiscal year as the jurisdictions rotate this position on a yearly basis. The NWT will continue to play an active role in the partnership. I look forward to our continued full participation.

FASD is a lifelong condition. Effective prevention efforts, early diagnosis, support environments and a range of special supports and services are necessary to assist individuals and their families in their journey towards self-reliance and well-being.

The GNWT is committed to preventing FASD in our territory. It is an important task and with alliances such as this partnership, we are working together to help residents make healthy decisions for themselves and their babies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Ministers’ statements. Before I go on to the next order on the Order Paper, colleagues, I would like to bring you’re your attention to the gallery to the presence of a former Member of this House and former Speaker, Mr. Sam Gargan.

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