May 12, 2006
For immediate release

News Release

Get up, Get out and Get SummerActive!

OTTAWA - Today, on behalf of Health Minister Tony Clement, Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orleans, joined the children of Good Shepherd Catholic School to help launch this year's SummerActive initiative.

SummerActive is a national initiative that encourages Canadians to improve their health through regular physical activity, healthy eating, living a tobacco-free lifestyle, and participating in sport activities. This year, SummerActive runs from May 12 to June 21, 2006.

"SummerActive reminds us that summer break is the ideal time to do healthy activities we enjoy, and also try new ones," said Mr. Galipeau. "Take advantage of the warm months in Canada by going outside and being active."

Regular physical activity is essential to maintaining health and well-being, and has a vital role in the prevention of many chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

"The Government of Canada is committed to helping families who know how important it is to keep their children active and healthy all year long," said Health Minister Tony Clement. "Regular physical activity is a crucial part of children's development, and that is why Budget 2006 promised a physical fitness tax credit for up to $500 to cover the cost of registration fees for children's physical activities, including recreational and sporting programs."

Canadians can find a wide range of tips, tools and information about physical activity and healthy living on the official national SummerActive website, www.summeractive.org . The site also has information on SummerActive events taking place in communities across Canada for families to enjoy. Canadians can also register their participation in these activities to be eligible to win one of 170 fun prizes.

Year after year, SummerActive encourages communities across Canada to celebrate good health and warm weather. In 2005, over 170,000 registered participants played, walked, rolled, swam, danced and ran in over 400 registered SummerActive events organized in communities, schools, workplaces, and public health facilities across Canada.

SummerActive is organized by the Government of Canada in partnership with provincial and territorial governments to help Canadians improve their health by building physical activity and healthy living into their daily routine.

SummerActive supports the goals and objectives of the Intersectoral Pan-Canadian Healthy Living Strategy that was approved by federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health in October 2005.

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Media Inquiries:

Erik Waddell
Office of Health Minister Tony Clement
(613) 957-0200

Alain Desroches
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970