Hon. , Premier Legislative Building , M7A 1A1

January 17, 2017

Re: Provincial FASD Strategy

Dear Premier Wynne,

StatsCan estimates over 147000 births in Ontario in the 2015/16 year. Using the most conservative prevalence estimates, that means more than 1470 babies are impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in that year alone. Furthermore, with some population studies indicating rates as high as 2.4-4.8%, the number of diagnosable individuals could be as high as 7050, not even considering the loss of human potential, when 13% of women report alcohol use in pregnancy. The urgency of the need for a strategy to prevent, diagnose, and provide services for FASD cannot be overstated.

Longitudinal studies (by Streissguth et. al, University of Washington, 1996) show that 70% of children who are affected by an FASD are unsuccessful in school, facing multiple suspensions, expulsions and dropping out of school early. Over their lifespan, 94% of affected individuals suffer mental health problems, including depression and suicidal ideation. 60% suffer periods of confinement at in-patient mental health facilities or are incarcerated. A provincial strategy could mitigate negative experiences and outcomes, and improve lives for thousands of individuals and families.

Our Action Group has created an approach for Waterloo Region and we need the province to partner with us and other stakeholders to help move actions forward. The approach for Waterloo Region can be found at https://www.fasdwaterlooregion.ca/local-integrated-strategy. We feel that we cannot wait for the province to act, yet urge it to do so.

The province had committed to releasing a strategy last year, and while we have no expectation that it would be perfect, the hope that initiating professional training, clear messaging, and enhanced diagnostics and treatment services would lead to a plan that would address prevention, assessment and intervention. We had also been assured that the plan would work synergistically with the Special Needs Strategy (which appears to be moving forward without any commitment to address FASD).

At every opportunity we have offered our support for the government’s commitment, but are becoming extremely discouraged with changes in leadership that we fear are delaying this initiative, and lack of communication with stakeholders regarding any plan with respect to the FASD Strategy. We respectfully request that you provide us with an update as to the status of the release of the strategy as soon as possible. We would be pleased to be enthusiastic promoters of a comprehensive and worthwhile FASD plan to prevent, diagnose, and serve individuals and families in our province.

With supports in place individuals with an FASD can live to their full potential and contribute greatly to our community.

Sincerely,

Karen Huber, Co-Chair

The Waterloo Region FASD Action Group www.fasdwaterlooregion.ca

CC: Hon. , Hon. Kathryn McGarry, Hon. , Hon. Michael Harris, Hon,