In February 2026, the CanFASD Research Network and the Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation Community of Practice co-sponsored Let’s Act!, a webinar to discuss the updates to Bill S-234, a National Framework on FASD prevention, that is currently under consideration in the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science, and Technology.
During the webinar, we had the privilege of hearing Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, the sponsor of the Bill, describe its rationale and content. Kathy Unsworth, the Executive Director of the CanFASD Research Network spoke compellingly about the potential of a national framework for FASD diagnosis and support of those with lived experience and their families.
Dr. Nancy Poole represented the Prevention Network Action Team and outlined the ways in which the Bill may advance FASD prevention.
Service provision
A national framework could advance the realization of our multilevel model of FASD prevention so there is a coordinated, compassionate, evidence-informed, and systematic approach to FASD prevention in Canada. This could involve promotion of alcohol, child welfare and substance use treatment policies that are supportive of both women’s and child health. It would include advancement of collaborative action by systems of care that address the complex influences on women’s substance use in pregnancy and honour the needs of women and gender diverse people at different levels of risk.