Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day

September 9, 2012

September 9th is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day. As Minister of Health, I encourage all Canadians to recognize this day and remember the role we each play in preventing this challenging disorder and helping those who live with it.

FASD is a condition that develops from exposure to alcohol during pregnancy.  When a person is diagnosed with FASD, they may have to live with neurological, behavioural and physiological impairments. FASD is the leading known cause of preventable developmental disability among Canadian children, affecting as many as nine out of 1,000 newborns in Canada today.

I wish to extend my gratitude to everyone who supports those living with FASD. Improving the quality of life of those living with FASD, their families and the communities in which they live is possible. I am proud that our Government, through the FASD Initiative, is promoting awareness about how to prevent FASD. At the same time we support the development of tools and resources to help front-line workers understand and address this complex issue.  

Over the years, our Government, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, has provided funding to build sustainable approaches that address FASD across Canada. Every year we provide funding to help prevent FASD and maximize healthy births. In particular, we're investing in the development of culturally-appropriate prevention and early intervention programs for First Nations and Inuit communities, and by raising awareness and educating front-line workers and families.

Preventing the lifelong consequences of FASD and supporting those already living with this disability can only be achieved by working together. We are committed to working with provinces and territories, private sector, Aboriginal organizations, researchers, policy makers, service providers and others to help coordinate our efforts and further our understanding of the risks associated with FASD.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can be detrimental and have lifetime effects.  It is my sincere hope that Canadians recognize this day by helping to spread the word about the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy, to prevent future incidences of alcohol-affected births and to give children the best possible start in life.

For more information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

For information about a healthy pregnancy

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada