SoVote

Bill S-253

44th Parl. 1st Sess.

May 09, 2023

Bill S-253, the National Framework on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Act, aims to provide support for individuals in Canada with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and their families and caregivers. FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body, leading to various challenges in daily life. This bill requires the Minister of Health to develop a national framework that includes measures to address the training, education, and guidance needs of healthcare professionals regarding the prevention and diagnosis of FASD, as well as support measures for those impacted by it. The framework will also promote research, intergovernmental information-sharing, and national standards for prevention, diagnosis, and support for FASD. It will include strategies to increase awareness of alcohol consumption risks during pregnancy and the consequences of FASD. The Minister will consult with relevant ministers, provincial and territorial

Steelman Argument: The National Framework on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Act (Bill S-253) provides a necessary and comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), their families, and caregivers. FASD is a lifelong disability that affects an estimated four percent of the Canadian population and is the leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability in the country. By developing a national framework, the Act aims to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and support measures for those impacted by FASD. The Act recognizes the need for appropriate supports to reduce the incidence of alcohol-exposed pregnancies, highlighting the importance of education and training for healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. By providing guidance and resources, the national framework will ensure that individuals with FASD receive proper diagnosis and support. In addition, the Act p

A steelman argument opposing Bill S-253 could be as follows: While recognizing the importance of supporting individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), there are concerns about the necessity and effectiveness of a national framework for this issue. Firstly, it is argued that the development of a national framework may be duplicative and overlap with existing provincial and territorial initiatives addressing FASD. Many provinces and territories already have programs, services, and supports in place to address the needs of individuals with FASD, their families, and caregivers. Instead of developing a national framework, efforts should be focused on enhancing and expanding these existing initiatives. Secondly, there are concerns about the potential cost associated with implementing the national framework. Developing and implementing a comprehensive framework at the national level would require significant financial resourc