How to write an effective brief for Bill S-234

canfasdblog

18 hours ago

With Bill S-234: An Act respecting a national framework for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder moving closer to committee review, this is a critical moment for the FASD community to be heard.

In Canada, most of the detailed work on legislation happens at the committee stage. This is where parliamentarians take a closer look at a bill – hearing from witnesses, reviewing written submissions, and sometimes proposing amendments before the bill moves forward. At this stage, written briefs play a powerful role.

They become part of the official parliamentary record and are often referenced by committee members and their staff when analyzing the issue and drafting their final report. Even if you are not invited to appear as a witness, your written submission can still help shape how decision-makers understand FASD – and what actions they recommend next. In short: your voice matters, and a strong brief can make a real impact.

What happens at committee

When Bill S-234 reaches committee (expected to be the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology), several key things will happen:

Witnesses – including experts and community voices – will be invited to testify
Individuals and organizations will submit written briefs
Committee members will ask questions and gather evidence
Amendments to the bill may be considered
A final report will be produced, summarizing findings and recommendations

That final report is especially important. It reflects what the committee has heard – and briefs often directly influence how issues and solutions are described.

This is why clear, well-structured submissions matter so much.

Writing a strong brief

Writing an effective brief doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the most impactful briefs are clear, concise, and focused on practical recommendations. You don’t need a long or technical document – most effective briefs are just 3–5 pages.

A simple structure can go a long way:

Who you are
Briefly explain your role and your connection to FASD
Why the issue matters
Highlight key challenges – such as gaps in diagnosis, services, housing, or legal system involvement
Your position on the bill – clearly state whether you support Bill S-234 and why
Two or three clear, actionable recommendations
A short, memorable conclusion – reinforce your key message and the importance of action

Think of your brief as a tool to guide decision-makers. The clearer your message, the more useful it becomes.

Focus on practical solutions

Committee members and their staff review many submissions in a short period of time. That means clarity is more important than complexity.

To make your brief effective:

Use plain language and short sentences
Clearly highlight your recommendations
Avoid jargon and overly technical language
Make it easy for someone to quickly understand what you’re asking for

Strong briefs also combine evidence, lived experience, and practical examples. This could include data from your organization, insights from your community, or real-world stories that illustrate the impact of FASD.

At the same time, tone matters. Committees tend to respond best to submissions that are constructive, evidence-based and focused on solutions. For example, instead of focusing only on what isn’t working, consider framing your message around what could be improved – and how.

What do strong recommendations look like?

Here are some examples of some recommendations you can draw from or adapt:

Develop a national framework for FASD – “The federal government should establish a coordinated national framework to improve prevention, diagnosis, and support across Canada.”
Increase diagnostic capacity and access – “Invest in expanding diagnostic services so individuals across all provinces and territories can access timely, accurate FASD assessments.”
Improve training for professionals – “Develop and fund standardized training for healthcare providers, educators, and justice professionals on FASD.”
Establish national standards – “Create national standards for FASD prevention, diagnosis, and support to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.”
Expand public awareness and prevention efforts – “Implement a national awareness strategy on the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy using trauma-informed and non-stigmatizing approaches.”
Strengthen supports for individuals and families – “Increase access to tailored supports, including housing, mental health services, and caregiver supports for individuals with FASD.”
Improve coordination across systems – “Enhance collaboration between health, justice, education, and social services to better support individuals with FASD.”

You don’t need to include all of these – just choose two or three that reflect your experience and perspective.

Common pitfalls to avoid

There are a few common mistakes that can reduce the impact of a brief:

Writing too much: Long submissions (10+ pages) are less likely to be fully read
Too much background: Focus more on solutions than explaining the problem
Vague recommendations: Be specific about what you want the committee to do
Overly technical language: Keep it accessible and easy to understand
Partisan or overly critical tone: Focus on constructive input

Learn from past examples

If you’re wondering what a finished brief can look like, it can be helpful to review past submissions.

Here are two examples from previous advocacy around Bill S-253:

These examples show how to clearly structure your message, combine evidence with real-world experience, and present actionable recommendations.

Why this moment matters

Bill S-234 is currently before the Senate and expected to move to committee soon. Once it does, there will be a window for written submissions. During that time, input from the FASD community will help inform how senators understand the issue – and what recommendations they put forward. Clear, thoughtful briefs can play a meaningful role in shaping that outcome.