Written by Laura Orchard.
Last September, the Government of Manitoba announced more than $946,000 in new annual funding to support people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), pregnant people, and families across the province.
The announcement, made on FASD Awareness Day, increased Manitoba’s total annual spending on FASD initiatives through the Department of Families to $5.6 million per year. This funding builds on Manitoba’s long-standing FASD Strategy and focuses on strengthening support in communities, providing timely services, and connecting services across the province.
Building Connections Between People, Families, and Services
The Government of Manitoba first introduced its FASD Strategy in 2007 to bring together government departments and community partners in coordinating support for people with FASD and pregnant people. The Strategy was updated in 2014 and a renewed five-year plan was released for 2024-2029 to continue building and improving supports for people with FASD and their families.
The renewed plan focuses on:
- Continuing to raise awareness of FASD
- Supporting pregnant people and their families
- Expanding services for people with FASD
- Improving coordination between systems
The renewed strategy focuses on four guiding principles:
- Centring the voices of people with lived experience
- Advancing reconciliation and increasing Indigenous-led services
- Ensuring quality of service
- Reducing stigma and promoting individual dignity
How the Funding Supports Manitobans
The $946,000 investment helps people across Manitoba access wraparound services, mentorship, and other support programs. These programs focus on strengths and goals of each individual, helping families and communities thrive.
Bringing Services Closer to Home
Families in Thompson and Selkirk will be able to connect with trained Key Workers right in their communities. This new access to support is made possible through the Manitoba Key Worker Program. These workers help families navigate services, find resources, and feel supported. Across the province, programs like Spectrum Connections, offered through Life’s Journey Inc., are expanding to reach more youth and adults with FASD, helping them access general guidance, life skills, and opportunities to participate fully in their communities.
The FASD Family Support, Education, and Counselling Program at New Directions is also growing. By including youth aged 15 to 17 and reducing wait times, the program improves access for families. This initiative makes it easier for families to receive education, counselling, and support that fits their needs.
At the same time, Indigenous-led services are strengthening community care. The Manito Ikwe Kagiikwe – Mothering Project at Mount Carmel Clinic is expanding cultural supports for families, ensuring that guidance and care are rooted in Indigenous knowledge and practices.
Additionally, the InSight Mentoring Program will continue to support pregnant people and new parents who use substances. The program pairs them with mentors who provide encouragement, guidance, and connection to other available resources. Project Choices is adding new roles to educate men, boys, and gender-diverse people about FASD, alcohol use, and pregnancy. Meanwhile, Visions and Voices will continue to provide people with FASD the opportunity to share experiences and educate surrounding communities.
Together, these expanded programs are helping to build a network of accessible, compassionate, and strengths-based supports. These supports respond to families’ unique needs and ensure that people with FASD are valued and heard.
Supporting People Across the Lifespan
Manitoba is also investing in services that support people with FASD at every stage of life. Diagnostic services will continue to be available for children and youth across the province. These services ensure timely access to assessments that provide tailored support. For youth and adults not eligible for other disability programs, individualized supports are available to help with housing, education, employment, and social connections.
Schools are receiving support too. Students with FASD in K-12 classrooms have access to tailored learning supports, helping them succeed academically while building confidence and independence. For young people involved in the legal system, Manitoba’s courts offer court FASD-informed resources, including adapted court dockets and specialized services to ensure fair treatment and reduce risks.
Manitoba and CanFASD
As a jurisdictional member of the Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD), the Manitoba government benefits from a national network devoted to FASD research, policy, and evidence-based supports. Membership allows the government to access expertise on effective strategies, connect with other jurisdictions, and create programs informed by lived experience.
Being a CanFASD member helps Manitoba ensure that investments in prevention, early intervention, and support services reflect best practices and respond to the direct needs of people with FASD and their families. 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.
Looking Ahead
The renewed 2024-2029 FASD Strategy reflects Manitoba’s commitment to investing in its people, families, and communities. By expanding programs, supporting culturally rooted care, and connecting Manitobans with trained professionals and mentors, the strategy helps people with FASD and their families build valuable skills, access the resources they need, and feel supported.
