An Act respecting a national framework for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Bill S-253 was a Senate Private Member's Bill respecting a national framework for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), the 44-1 precursor to 45-1 Bill S-234. FASD is a permanent neurodevelopmental disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates FASD affects approximately 4 percent of Canadians (1.5 million people), making it the most common preventable cause of developmental disability in Canada. The framework would coordinate federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous-governance responses to diagnosis, early intervention, justice-system supports (FASD is disproportionately represented in correctional populations), and prevention. Sponsored in the Senate by Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia (Newfoundland). Did not pass third reading; reintroduced as S-234 of 45-1.