Health Minister Looks to Strengthened Working Relationship on FASD Issues

FOR RELEASE #09-007
January 29, 2009

WHITEHORSE – Health and Social Services Minister Glenn Hart is looking forward to an improved working relationship with Health Canada after meeting with federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq at the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership (CNFASDP) meeting in Vancouver on January 23.“I was pleased Minister Aglukkaq attended the meeting to hear about the work being done by the western provinces and territories and was open to explore an improved working relationship between the Partnership and the federal government,” Hart said.

The CNFASDP, which was formed in 1998, hosts regular conferences and symposia on FASD.

Minister Aglukkaq, who previously sat on the Partnership representing Nunavut, is only the second federal minister to accept an invitation to attend the Partnership meeting.

“The federal minister is very interested in preventing FASD, which is certainly consistent with the priorities of the Partnership,” Hart added.

In 2004 ministers formed a network to promote and coordinate FASD-related research. Today, the Research Network leads the way on FASD research in Canada. Hart said the research network is bringing about strengthened working relationships right across the north and the west.

At the January 23 meeting ministers heard reports from the Research Network and approved work plans for the coming year.

In addition, Dr. Linda Burnside and Don Fuchs from the University of Manitoba presented the results of a Manitoba study that looked at the cost of child welfare care associated with FASD.

“All jurisdictions are concerned about the economic impact of FASD,” Hart said. “We need to find effective prevention initiatives and ways to support people with FASD while ensuring taxpayers’ money is spent efficiently on programs and services.”

Yukon has been a member of the CNFASDP alliance, which is made up of the three territories and four western provinces, since 1999.

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Contact:

Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Patricia Living
Communications, Health & Social Services
867-667-3673
patricia.living@gov.yk.ca