Exciting news from one of CanFASD’s member jurisdictions! We are thrilled to share that the Manitoba government has launched its renewed five-year FASD Strategy.
This comprehensive plan includes immediate investments and ongoing funding. These are aimed at providing timely and effective support for Manitobans with FASD and supporting healthy pregnancies in the province.
This welcome news demonstrates that provinces and territories that are members of CanFASD are significantly advanced in their response to FASD.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine said: “With the right supports, people with FASD can thrive. By centering this strategy around the voices of people with lived and living experience and prioritizing investments in prevention, early intervention and diagnosis, Manitoba’s renewed FASD Strategy will reduce stigma, promote dignity and improve long-term outcomes for Manitobans impacted by FASD.”
What’s in the strategy?
Manitoba’s renewed FASD Strategy includes significant investments in community awareness, wraparound supports for pregnant people and families, and increased specialized supports throughout the lives of individuals with FASD. Notably, this strategy encompasses a $172,000 budget increase for the InSight Mentoring Program, which provides three years of mentorship to help pregnant individuals stop or reduce alcohol use during pregnancy.
Furthermore, the additional funding will support expanded programming at various sites, including Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Dauphin, The Pas, Flin Flon, and Thompson. This expansion includes three Indigenous-led service providers that offer culturally grounded services. As a result, this investment will enable the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre in Winnipeg to support an additional 15 families and provide Indigenous cultural and spiritual support services for participants. This initiative aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to governments to develop culturally appropriate FASD prevention programs.
Currently, the Manitoba government invests $15.5 million annually in the FASD Strategy, which ensures that government and community programs and initiatives are working collaboratively toward the common goal of supporting Manitobans with FASD and supporting healthy pregnancies.
Manitoba and CanFASD
Manitoba is one of CanFASD member’s jurisdictions. This means the Manitoba government is benefiting from the expertise of a national network devoted to FASD. The membership connects governments with a trusted agency to turn to for evidence-informed answers to important policy questions. Membership for governments also offers the potential to reduce longer-term costs associated with FASD diagnosis, prevention, and intervention.
We look forward to continuing to work with the Manitoba government to support their citizens through increased research capacity, advice and assistance in evidence-based policy and program development, and collaboration with other member jurisdictions.
We encourage other governments of Canada, that are not currently members, to consider joining our network. Together we can shape a country that is supportive of Canadians with FASD, their families, and their caregivers.
Related Content
Found this blogpost interesting? We’d recommend checking out the following webpages:
- Donate to the FASD Lived Experience Leadership Fund – support people with lived experience to participate in research.
- Become a member of CanFASD – be the first to know about the latest FASD news.
- Foundations in FASD – training course intended for everyone that will come into contact with individuals with FASD.