Ottawa wants ideas
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Feb 12/01) - Health and addictions groups want in on the $1.7-million announced by Secretary of State Ethel Blondin-Andrew for Fetal Alcohol programs Friday.
Representatives of the FAS Community Team, Tree of Peace and Yellowknife Women's Centre said funding applications will be discussed with board members later this month.
Letters of intent must be submitted to Health Canada by March 13.
Blondin-Andrew called FAS and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) a preventable childhood disability.
"Sadly the ratios of (FAS and FAE) are higher with Aboriginal and Northern groups," Blondin-Andrew said.
"I've seen two-three generations of families living with FAS and the burdens are enormous."
Up to $100,000 is open to any Canadian not-for profit organization or educational group working toward the prevention and/or support services for people and families dealing with FAS/FAE.
The $1.7-million is part of the $11-million announced by Federal Health Minister Allan Rock for FAS/FAE initiatives last year.
