Vote Yes
An Act respecting a national framework for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
The bill requires the Minister of Health to create and table a national framework to prevent, diagnose, and support Canadians affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). It mandates national standards, professional training, coordinated research and information-sharing, and a public awareness strategy on the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy, including potential legislative and policy recommendations related to alcohol consumption and marketing. The Minister must consult provinces and territories, Indigenous communities, experts, caregivers, and other stakeholders. The framework must be tabled within 18 months and published, with a follow-up implementation and effectiveness report due within five years.
The bill advances a coordinated, prevention-first approach that can improve health outcomes, reduce stigma, and lower long-term public costs, which supports productivity and service efficiency. Risks include jurisdictional friction and potential overreach on alcohol marketing; these can be mitigated with evidence-based, proportionate measures and transparent costing.
What is the expected cost to develop and implement the national FASD framework, and will the government table a fully costed plan with measurable targets like incidence reduction and diagnosis wait times when the framework is tabled?
How will national standards respect provincial and territorial jurisdiction and avoid unfunded mandates, and what dedicated funding will accompany training and supports so service providers are not forced to do more with less?
Before recommending changes to alcohol policy or marketing, will the minister commit to publish the evidence base and an economic impact analysis, including effects on small producers and exporters, and to consult Indigenous communities and industry in detail?
Primarily a public health coordination bill; any prosperity gains are indirect via reduced long-term social and health costs.
A national framework could streamline fragmented approaches, but potential recommendations on alcohol marketing may constrain some commercial activity.
Preventing FASD and improving early diagnosis/support can enhance lifetime educational and workforce outcomes, modestly boosting productivity.
No direct impact on trade; any future alcohol marketing restrictions could have minor sector effects but are speculative.
Encourages research coordination but does not directly catalyze private investment or innovation incentives.
Standardized practices, prevention, and coordinated supports can reduce duplication and long-term fiscal pressures on health, education, and justice systems.
No tax measures are proposed.
A targeted health framework with limited macroeconomic scale; benefits are important but not transformative for overall prosperity.
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