 |
|
VICTORIA – Research to help prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and support those affected will be advanced by the new Western/Northern FASD Research Network, created by the seven western provincial and territorial governments, Linda Reid, minister of state for Early Childhood Development, announced today.
“Research is a key priority for members of the Canada Northwest FASD Partnership, which is committed to addressing the growing challenge of FASD,” said Reid, current chair of the partnership’s ministers’ committee. “Working together, the talents and resources of our seven jurisdictions will achieve new milestones more quickly, giving every young person affected by FASD a better childhood and a brighter future.”
Led by renowned FASD expert Dr. Sterling Clarren, the new network will address high-priority research questions to devise better prevention and support strategies. By pooling expertise and resources, it will also maximize value from limited research dollars. Clarren will be assisted by a board of directors representing all partner jurisdictions and bearing a deep knowledge of the issues and challenges facing people with FASD.
The partnership, created in 1998, reaches from the Pacific Ocean across the Prairies and to the Bering Sea. The members are Theresa Oswald, Manitoba Minister Responsible for Healthy Living; John T. Nilson, Saskatchewan Minister of Health; Peter Jenkins, Yukon Minister of Health and Social Services; J. M. Miltenberger, Northwest Territories Minister of Health and Social Services; Levinia Brown, Minister of Health and Social Services and Deputy Premier of Nunavut; Alberta Minister of Children’s Services Iris Evans; and Reid.
“Alberta is proud to be both a founding member of the partnership and an eager participant in this new initiative through the establishment of an associate director at the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research,” said Evans.
The partnership was created to develop and promote common approaches to preventing FASD and supporting people it affects. Ministers in member jurisdictions recognized the impact of FASD on society and determined that a co-ordinated approach was needed to effectively address the growing issue. B.C. is the lead partner of the partnership for 2004-05.
The Western/Northern FASD Research Network will build research capacity across western Canada and the territories. Following a public call for nominations this summer, the partnership has chosen the Provincial Health Services Authority of B.C. to lead development of the network.
“This board will represent well the partner provinces and territories,” said Brown. “I’m encouraged that the list of nominees is notable for its aboriginal and Inuit representation.”
-30-
For more information on the partnership, visit http://www.faspartnership.ca/ online.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
