Jillian Dickens
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 21/05) - One of the biggest problems currently facing Nunavummiut and all Canadians is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Nationally, some experts say nine of every 1,000 people are born with the disorder to some degree.

"There are varying opinions on the numbers across Canada," said Winnie Banfield, FASD specialist with the territorial government. "I am aware of those statistics, but I also hear that is really just the tip of the iceberg."

Caused when pregnant women drink alcohol, this disorder leads to a range of problems, including brain injury, loss of impulse control, heart and kidney weakness and abnormal physical features.

The most common issue facing people with FASD is behaviour-related - 60 per cent have engaged in crime, 50 per cent have been in jail and fewer than 10 per cent will ever live successfully on their own.

Banfield knows she and others like her face an uphill battle, but it is one they have to win.

The percentage of babies born in Nunavut with defects related to booze is at least as high as in the south. And yes, expectant mothers need to learn the only cause of FASD is drinking while pregnant. But she said telling them these facts will only go so far.

"Women do not choose to harm their baby when they drink," said Banfield. "Women are not made that way. There is so much guilt, it's unbelievable."

Women who are addicted to alcohol have a disease.

"If you have a disease that causes harm, it's not your fault - it is out of your control," said Banfield.

In Nunavut, the rate of heavy drinking - defined by having more than five drinks on one occasion at least 12 times a year - is three times the Canadian average.

Banfield said addressing why women are drinking will be more effective in preventing FASD than simply telling women to stop.

"If certain factors in a woman's life are changed she may stop drinking," she said.

The statistics describing those factors are telling.

Sexual assault in Nunavut is seven times the national average while domestic physical and mental abuse are also prevalent.

In 2001, 38 per cent of residents had less than a Grade 9 education.

In 1999, the unemployment rate was at 20 per cent, or double the Canadian average. At the same time, the cost of living was 65 per cent higher than the national mark.

The health department does not have statistics stating what percentage of the population has FASD. There are also no statistics stating how many mothers admit to drinking while pregnant.

The closest Nunavut can come to seeing actual numbers is by looking to its Northern neighbour: the NWT. There, about 25 per cent of women report drinking while pregnant.

The Nunavut Government recognizes this is a major problem and is engaged in an FASD program. It mostly deals with getting the word out - how to prevent it and how to help people with it.

Education kits have been sent to schools, and health care workers, teachers and some families are trained on the theme.

So far 60 individuals have attended workshops on the disorder, said Health and Social Services Minister Leona Aglukkaq.

But Banfield isn't sure the program is focused in the right direction.

"The FASD initiative doesn't have any specific program toward addiction," she said. "But we can direct people towards help."

In early October, ministers from the three territories, joined their counterparts from Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan and Manitoba in the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership

and agreed to push the federal government to help fight FASD in a meaningful way.

"There is very little co-ordination on a national level," said Aglukkaq. "We are actively seeking federal support to achieve an effective delivery of all programs."

After federal support is achieved, the partnership will tackle program development, said Aglukkaq.