What we’re doing about FASD

Canada has two major initiatives on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): the FASD Initiative and the First Nations, Inuit and Aboriginal FASD Program.

FASD and the Government of Canada

Acting on FASD is a major commitment of the Government of Canada and of the Provinces and Territories.

• Since 1987, four Standing Committees on Health; the Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies; the National Advisory Committee on FASD; and, Private Members' Bills in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1999, have all recommended comprehensive strategies on FASD.
• In 1996, sixteen national health and allied associations identified the use of alcohol during pregnancy as a "national health concern" and committed to identifying and implementing prevention strategies to reduce incidences of FASD.

FASD Initiative

The FASD Initiative evolved from an expansion of the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) to enhance Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE) activities. It is a collaborative effort designed to ensure that everyone committed to action on FASD is working toward common goals. The initiative is reflected in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A Framework for Action that was developed in consultation with organizations at the community, provincial, territorial and national levels.

The Five Goals of the FASD Initiative

• Increasing awareness and understanding
• Increasing capacity
• Creating tools
• Expanding knowledge
• Supporting action

The vision for both the FASD Initiative and the Framework for Action is to prevent alcohol-affected births and to improve outcomes for those affected by this life-long disability. In addition, the FASD Initiative is closely linked with the development of the National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada (External link) , and the National Alcohol Strategy Working Group.

First Nations, Inuit and Aboriginal (FNIAH) FASD Program

FASD programming for First Nations on-reserve and Inuit communities is delivered through Health Canada (External link) . It profiles FASD as it affects First Nations and Inuit communities and some of the strategies that are being used to deal with these conditions.