Back in Action: Canada's New Government Helps Launch ParticipACTION's National Public Awareness Campaign

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OTTAWA, October 15, 2007 - The Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport), and the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to healthy living at the launch of ParticipACTION's national public awareness campaign.

"I am proud that Canada's New Government is bringing ParticipACTION back into action," said Secretary of State Guergis. "Physical activity improves mental and physical health, and more active Canadians means healthier Canadians. I am convinced ParticipACTION's message will get Canadians moving and get them active."

Canada's New Government renewed funding for ParticipACTION in February 2007, with a commitment of $5 million over two years. ParticipACTION's national public awareness campaign targets all Canadians, with an emphasis on parents and youth, inspiring them to move more.

"The revitalized ParticipACTION program is essential to encourage Canadians to get active move more," said Minister Clement. "Through support for ParticipACTION, and by leading other key healthy living initiatives, Canada's New Government continues to make it easier for Canadians to enjoy healthy and active lives."

To promote fitness, sport, and healthy living, Canada's New Government has also:

Announced $5.4 million over two years for 14 projects that promote physical activity, healthy eating, and healthy weights;
Re-launched Canada's Physical Activity Guides, which provide information on becoming more active;
Introduced a Children's Fitness Tax Credit: starting January 1, 2007, parents are able to claim a tax credit on up to $500 of eligible expenses for physical activity programs for each child under the age of 16, promoting physical fitness among children;
Provided over $140 million this year, the highest amount ever to support participation and excellence in sport from the playground to the podium;
Revised Canada’s Food Guide, made the Web-based tool “My Food Guide Online” available to print in 10 different languages, and released Canada's first Food Guide for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people;
Committed to investing $2.66 million in 2007-08 to support regional physical activity and healthy eating projects through agreements with provincial and territorial governments;
Provided annual SummerActive and WinterActive programs in communities across Canada; and
Supported the Concerned Children's Advertisers' Long Live Kids campaign.

Aside from the health impact, the economic cost of inactivity and poor eating is high. In 2001, the economic cost of inactivity in Canada was estimated to be $5.3 billion, with another $4.3 billion in health costs associated with obesity.

Information:

Jeffrey Kroeker
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport)
613 995-1293

Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101

Laryssa Waler
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Health
613 957-0200

Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
613 948-7970

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Date created: 2007-10-15

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