Monday, December 12, 2011
Dear Mr. Baker,
Thank you for your correspondence regarding Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and for forwarding me the link to your blog. The Liberal Party has constantly encouraged dialogue with Prime Minister Steven Harper on this issue as we believe there needs to be national programs for all Canadians. As a physician I have long advocated for a national strategy in FASD.
FASD is the leading cause of mental retardation in the western world, yet it is absolutely preventable. It carries vast economic and social costs but most importantly, it adversely affects the lives of individuals. FASD includes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Partial FAS (PFAS), Alcohol-Related Neuro-developmental Disorder (ARND) and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD). According to statistics, approximately 300,000 Canadians live with FASD. FAS is a societal issue and we all have a vested interest and a role to play in reducing its incidence. The disproportionately high rate of FASD that occurs amongst Canada’s Aboriginal peoples and within correctional institutions is due to a history of complex and often tragic circumstances but we must all make an enormous effort to ensure that generations to come are not impacted by FASD. The Conservative government has a responsibility to take action to address this issue. It can be seen that the Conservative government is not taking a pro-active enough approach towards health, but in my role as health critic I will continue to raise the matters which are important to Canadians.
Thank you for writing me with your concerns. Please contact my office if you have any further questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Hon. Dr. Hedy Fry P.C, M.P.,
Liberal Health Critic
Vancouver Centre
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