Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects
Terms of Reference
National First Nations and Inuit Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) /
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effects (FAS/E) Steering Committee
Vision
We owe our future to our unborn.
In order to be fully self determining people, balance
and
wellness are fundamental to the circle of life, that begins in
the womb. The future of First Nations and Inuit rests in the
spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual well-being of
our children. Family and community are fundamental to
the expression of nurturing well-being.
Marion Mussell
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Mission
The Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (formerly Inuit Tapirisat
of Canada) and the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), formerly
the Medical Services Branch of Health Canada, have come together to develop,
expand and enhance programs that can create conditions where best possible
fetal and child development and health can flourish.
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Background
The February 1999 Federal budget announced increased funding for the Canada
Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP). The expanded program funding addressed gaps
and built on strengths and new opportunities. In Fiscal year 2001/02, funding
increased by $7.06M in addition to the previous $7.1M for an ongoing total
of $14.16M.
In addition, the 1999 budget allocated $3.8M over three years, with $1.7M
starting in 2002-2003 ongoing, for the enhancement of current prevention efforts
that address Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/E).
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Mandate
The mandate of the National First Nations and Inuit Canada Prenatal Nutrition
Program / Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effects National Steering Committee is to
provide guidance and direction for the development, implementation and evaluation
of both Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program and for the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
/ Fetal Alcohol Effects Initiative.
To ensure effective and appropriate communication with all stakeholders throughout
the CPNP and FAS/E implementation process by identifying and supporting linkages
with other programs both within and outside government departments, i.e. First
Nations and Inuit Communities, Organizations, Tele-Health, Non-Government Organization's,
provincial and territorial programs.
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Accountability
The National Steering Committee operates under the authority and accountability
of the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the First Nations
and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of Health Canada and must report to them on
its activities.
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Committee Composition
The Committee will be comprised of two Inuit, four First Nations and four
FNIHB representatives, with one alternate identified by each organization.
Committee members will be responsible for keeping alternate members up to date
in order to make informed decisions.
Committee members should have a health background, good working knowledge
of the CPNP/FAS/E and/or related program development experience. This committee
will appoint two co-chairs from within its membership. Committee composition
will be reviewed on an annual basis and any modifications will be made as necessary.
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Term
The National Steering Committee will exist until the end of March 31, 2003
and review its mandate annually.
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Decision Making
Decisions will be by consensus.
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Principles
In recognition of the need for culturally sensitive, integrated CPNP and FAS/E
under First Nations and Inuit control that are appropriate, comprehensive,
accessible, effective and equitable to that of other Canadian citizens, the
National Steering Committee will develop program planning and evaluation frameworks
for the expansion of the CPNP - First Nations and Inuit Component (FN&IC)
including a program planning and evaluation framework for the FAS/E Initiative
that:
- is appropriate to the unique health and social and cultural needs of First
Nations and Inuit;
- facilitates First Nations/Inuit control at a time and pace of their choosing;
- contributes to capacity building of the First Nations and Inuit;
- promotes sustainability;
- recognizes the on-going fiduciary relationships between the Crown and First
Nations and Inuit; and
- facilitates inter-sectorial collaboration.
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Role of the Committee
The Committee will:
- provide leadership for the CPNP - FN&IC and FAS/E Initiative;
- facilitate national and regional discussion and feedback on program planning
and evaluation;
- support visibility of the CPNP and FAS/E Initiative;
- direct the development and recommend program planning and evaluation frameworks
for the expansion of the CPNP program and for FAS/E;
- make recommendations on funding;
- undertake advocacy.
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Responsibilities
The Committee will:
Plan
- determine chairmanship
- develop objectives, work plan and budget with clear milestones
Organize
- Provide a forum for exchange of information
- Liaise with national and regional stakeholders and support them in their
discussion and feedback activities
- Based on discussion and feedback results, develop program planning and
evaluation frameworks for the expansion of the CPNP and FAS/E
Direct
- Appoint and direct sub-committees as necessary
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Conflict of Interest
Where committee members find themselves or another committee member in a potential
conflict of interest position regarding any item of business, those members
will make this known to the NSC and subsequently withdraw from participation
in the discussion, decision making on the said business item.
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Meetings
A quorum shall be achieved when 50% of each party is present. This translates
into: 1 Inuit, 2 First Nation, 2 FNIHB representatives.
The National Steering Committee will meet both in person and via teleconference
at the call of the chair(s). The Committee will meet three times in the first
year.
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Secretariat
Secretariat support will be provided by First Nations and Inuit Health Branch,
Community Programs Directorate.
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Budget
Costs for accomplishing the goals for this steering committee will be the
responsibility of the Community Programs Directorate of FNIHB. Travel related
costs for the FNIHB representatives on this steering committee will be the
responsibility of their respective Responsibility Centre Managers. Community
Programs Directorate will be responsible for travel costs of the First Nations
and Inuit members participating on this steering committee.
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