Released on January 23, 2009
First Nations and Métis Relations Minister and Minister responsible for Northern Affairs June Draude is attending the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership (CNFASDP) Ministers' meeting in Vancouver on January 23.
"The strategies we use to address FASD prevention and awareness have been of great interest to me ever since I was elected in 1995," Draude said. "It is my hope that we can help prevent innocent children being born burdened with the harsh realities of FASD. When our Health Minister asked me to attend this meeting, I was honoured to represent our province."
While in Opposition, Draude introduced a Private Member's Bill that was passed unanimously to mark September 9 as FASD Awareness Day in Saskatchewan. The day marks the ninth day of the ninth month as a time to remind mothers and families how critical it is to avoid consuming alcohol during pregnancy. It is important that everyone knows that FASD is 100 per cent preventable. As long as a women does not consume alcohol during her pregnancy, there is no risk of FASD.
The CNFASDP was created in 1998 when the governments of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan pooled their resources and expertise to develop strategies to raise the profile of this disorder and the damage it causes. The partnership later welcomed the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon and British Columbia.
CNFASDP also launched a research network in 2005.
The meeting in Vancouver this week will bring together ministers who are responsible for areas such as health, childcare and healthy living from the north and the west to discuss issues including the economic impact of children with FASD in care, and a report from the CNFASDP research network.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Johnson
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4829
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-5350