WHEREAS: children are our most important resource and it is our responsibility to care for, nurture and protect them; and

WHEREAS: statistics indicate that individuals with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Effects (FAS/E) in Canada and industrial nations throughout the world, face the risk of mental retardation or learning disabilities, early school drop-out, homelessness, addictiveness, trouble with the law and mental illness; and

WHEREAS: to reduce the incidence of FAS/E, it is essential that women in pregnancy are provided with support and information; and

WHEREAS: parents, professionals, individuals living with FAS/E and other people around the world will observe the second International FAS Awareness Day on Sept. 9, 2000, with a Minute of Reflection at 9:09 a.m.

NOW THEREFORE: I, Mel Lastman, Mayor of the City of Toronto, on behalf of Toronto City Council and the more than 2.3 million people of our great city, do hereby proclaim September 9, 2000 as "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day@ in the City of Toronto. I encourage everyone to act with compassion and understanding towards those individuals whose lives were affected by alcohol before they were born.

(signed) Mel Lastman, Mayor