Canadian Northwest FASD Partnership

A message from the Premier of the Yukon

It is always exciting to be on the leading edge of something new and unique.

This website, focusing on the work of the members of the Canada Northwest FASD Partnership, will provide individuals and agencies across the nation the opportunity to learn about some of the cutting edge work that has been undertaken by the provinces and territories in the partnership.

Here we will share our stories of success, current research and best practices and approaches to what, for all of us, is a very serious issue. Together we are committed to working toward the reduction of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects, and at the same time, we want to see strong support for individuals and their families who are afflicted and impacted by FAS/FAE.

Attention to FASD is a top priority in the Yukon. We are working to increase public awareness of the effects of drugs and alcohol on unborn children and build on existing educational programs. We see a strong need to support high risk parents though pregnancy to foster the birth of health babies; we clearly see that early diagnosis is key in providing supports to families and individuals throughout the lifespan.

Alcohol is one of the biggest threats to our unborn population, and can cause irreparable damage. To educate women who are pregnant, those who are thinking about becoming pregnant and their partners and families is a common goal of the provincial and territorial partners.

One of the advantages of the partnership is that we speak with strength ñ we are united in our message that no level of alcohol is safe if you are pregnant. It is this unity that will help us make significant gains in the fight against FAS/FAE.

Dennis Fentie