WHEREAS research indicates that at least 1 in 100 Canadians are living with permanent learning and behaviour problems resulting from alcohol abuse by the mother during pregnancy;
AND WHEREAS the majority of children born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are not diagnosed with this disorder which leads to misunderstandings about their behaviour;
AND WHEREAS the 300,000 individuals now living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are at high risk of school drop-out, trouble with the law, addiction to alcohol and drugs, unemployment, poverty, homelessness and mental illness;
AND WHEREAS the costs to the taxpayer during the life of a child born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is estimated to be at least $2 million;
BE IT RESOLVED that women in Canada, and their partners be warned of the dangers to their unborn child due to alcohol consumed during pregnancy;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal government act on Motion M-155, proposed by NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg North Centre), and seconded by Liberal MP Paul Szabo (Mississauga South), which was passed in the House of Commons on April 23, 2001, which provides that the Government require health warning labels on the containers of alcoholic beverages to caution expectant mothers and others of the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all alcohol advertising, in print, radio or television be required to warn the consumer that alcohol in pregnancy may cause permanent mental and physical disabilities, and that a safe threshold for alcohol use in pregnancy has not been established. and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder instruction be included in all medical and health curriculums in Canada.