WHEREAS fetal alcohol spectrum disorder FASD has proven to cost British Columbia taxpayers in special education services and social services; AND WHEREAS some local governments have taken a leadership role in requiring licensed establishments to post warning signs in their place of business as to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia be requested to pass provincial laws requiring all licensed establishments and retail liquor outlets to post warning signs in their place of business, warning women of the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy.
Ministry of Health The Government of British Columbia Government recognizes the use of alcohol in pregnancy may result in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder FASD, a term used to describe the range of disorders that can occur when a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy. Government supports cross-Ministry and community initiatives to prevent and manage FASD, including ActNow BC Healthy Choices in Pregnancy, a goal of which is the development of regional FASD prevention plans in each Health Authority. Through ActNow BC, the Liquor Distribution Branch, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in partnership with Ministry of Health, Ministry for Children and Family Development, BC Centre of Excellence for Womens Health, Centre for Addictions Research of BC and Centre for Social Responsibility developed signs targeted at increasing the public awareness message of No Safe Time, No Safe Amount in relation to alcohol use in pregnancy. These signs will be displayed year-round in government liquor stores and are available for voluntary use by licensed retailers. The Province of British Columbia Province is developing a comprehensive response to the issue of FASD, which includes ongoing education, responsive public policy and availability of effective treatment services. This is consistent with the recommendations from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 2001 and the Centre for Addictions Research of BC CARBC, 2006 identifying signage as a complementary component of a broader strategy. Government will continue to strive to reduce the health, economic and social costs of FASD through ongoing investments, contributing to cross-ministry initiatives to improve prevention, as well as screening, diagnosis, assessment, intervention and support for children and youth with FASD.