The results are in – Canada has chosen a new government. CanFASD extends our sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney and his party. As we begin a new chapter, we welcome the opportunity to work together to build a more inclusive Canada. A Canada where individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their families have the resources they need.
What the new government has promised
Mark Carney’s Liberal platform included commitments that could benefit people with FASD, their families and support systems, and couples who are pregnant and parenting. These commitments specifically include funding for mental health, substance use services, Indigenous-led health initiatives, and maternal health research. They also pledged to fund sexual and reproductive health programs and expand data collection in areas like perinatal health. The platform supports affordable housing, a key social factor that affects the health and wellbeing of people with FASD and people who may be pregnant.
The government didn’t mention FASD directly, but it committed to improving care access, women’s health, and the toxic drug crisis. Plans to strengthen public health care, invest in local health infrastructure, and improve service access are promising for those with FASD.
But promises alone aren’t enough
Due to its complicated nature, a systemic, coordinated, evidence-based approach to preventing alcohol use in pregnancy and FASD diagnosis, intervention, and lifetime support is vital. We call on the current government to go further to ensure that all people with FASD and their families have full and equitable access to the resources they need. We need a National FASD Framework in Canada.
“Encouraging signs all around!”
On the run up to the election, many of you took the time to talk to local candidates about the need for a National FASD Framework. Some of you have already shared your experiences with us, it was great to hear that candidates listened to your experiences and committed to learning more about FASD.
If you haven’t shared your conversations with us yet, we’re still collecting summaries to help us understand how FASD was raised across the country. Send us a short update on who you spoke with, what was discussed, and any follow-up planned to info@canfad.ca.
Here’s an example of the kind of stories that have already come in:
“I attended a candidates’ forum this week and was able to connect individually with candidates from the Conservative Party, Liberal Party, and New Democratic Party. The NDP candidate followed up with a meeting where he asked informed questions and expressed strong support for a National FASD Framework. The Liberal candidate showed some awareness of FASD and promised to learn more via the CanFASD website. The Conservative candidate…reiterated his support. I also ran into my MLA and booked a meeting for May. Encouraging signs all around!”
How you can help
Change doesn’t happen in isolation – it happens when communities speak up, stay engaged, and hold leaders accountable. As new Members of Parliament prepare to take office, now is the time to re-engage. Reach out to your MP. Reintroduce the conversation. Let them know that Canada needs a National FASD Framework – and that CanFASD are ready to support them in making it a reality.