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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Term

The National Steering Committee will exist until the end of March 31, 2003 and review its mandate annually.

Decision Making

Decisions will be by consensus.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Secretariat

Secretariat support will be provided by First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Community Programs Directorate.

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.