National FASD Strategy Archives

Weaving the Voices of Lived Experience and Research into the National Framework

canfasdblogFebruary 7, 2024UncategorizedLeave a Comment

Despite the high prevalence rate of individuals with FASD, Canada does not have a National FASD framework.

Update on Bill S-253: A National Framework for FASD

canfasdblogApril 14, 2023News & MediaLeave a Comment

Here’s a glimpse of what has been said about Bill S-253 in the Senate of Canada.

Support a National FASD Strategy this FASD Awareness Month

canfasdblogSeptember 14, 2022UncategorizedLeave a Comment

Ask your Member of Parliament to support a National FASD Strategy this September.

CanFASD meets with Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

canfasdblogJune 22, 2022CanFASD AnnouncementsLeave a Comment

CanFASD had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, as well as members of her staff and senior staff from the Public Health Agency of Canada. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the need for a National FASD Strategy.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada continues to ignore individuals with FASD

canfasdblogJune 17, 2022Feature FridaysLeave a Comment

New suicide fact sheets have just been released by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) that focus on suicide prevention among groups who may be at increased risk. But a group of individuals at extraordinarily high risk of suicide is missing from the conversation: those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

CanFASD’s Submission to the Study on Children’s Health

canfasdblogApril 20, 2022CanFASD AnnouncementsLeave a Comment

A month ago, CanFASD made a submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health (HESA) to recognize and address FASD for their children’s health study.

CanFASD Federal Budget Submission 2022

canfasdblogMarch 2, 2022CanFASD Research and PublicationsLeave a Comment

We know FASD is a national concern. We need a national response to address this disability that improves supports and services for those with FASD, those who are pregnant, and their support systems. Over the past few months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to push for a National FASD Strategy. We’ve met with several government representatives, many of … Read More

FASD Advocates Criticize SNL for Inappropriate Sketch

canfasdblogJanuary 19, 2022CanFASD AnnouncementsLeave a Comment

CanFASD Statement January 19, 2022 On January 15, 2022, NBC’s Saturday Night Live broadcast an inappropriate skit about alcohol-exposed pregnancies. Positioned as a comedy, this sketch poked fun at a teenage boy for his hygiene and social behaviour, before revealing he was prenatally exposed to alcohol. This is ableism. Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a lifelong disability impacting the brain and body. “Jokes” like this contribute to negative stereotypes and persistent stigma around FASD. This stigma negatively impacts people with FASD, their families, and people who are pregnant and using substances, making it harder to get much-needed funding and support. This stigma can also lead to feelings of shame and contribute to social isolation. Drinking during pregnancy is not a punchline. FASD is not a joke. Advocating for our community can feel like an uphill battle, especially at times like this. It is disheartening when a popular media outlet further perpetuates negative stigma, stereotypes, and misinformation that causes harm to our community. Everyone has a responsibility to learn about FASD, so that dehumanizing and traumatizing content like this is not broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide. This event highlights the need for a National FASD Strategy to further raise awareness and understanding of Canada’s leading developmental disability.

Unfortunately, not all news we get to share is good news. Over the weekend, NBC’s Saturday Night Live published an inappropriate sketch featuring a character with prenatal alcohol exposure.

It’s Time for a National FASD Strategy

canfasdblogSeptember 15, 2021CanFASD AnnouncementsLeave a Comment

FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. Due to the complexity of this disability and the disproportionate impacts it has on various populations, individuals with FASD are struggling. It’s time for a National FASD Strategy.

FASD and the 2021 Federal Election

canfasdblogSeptember 8, 2021CanFASD AnnouncementsLeave a Comment

The federal election is fast approaching and candidates are campaigning for your vote. There are many social, political, and environmental issues that are currently impacting Canada and it can be difficult to choose the right candidate.