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Promoting Healthy Active Living
Did you know?
- More than half of Canada’s children and youth aged 5-17 are not physically
active enough to reach optimal growth and development.
- More than one in four children are overweight or obese
- In the last five years, user fees have increased for programs delivered by municipal
recreation departments in Canada. Access to recreation, sports, and cultural opportunities
is much lower for children living in poverty.
- The increase in Type 2 diabetes in children highlights the link between health
care costs and physical activity as a preventive health service.
What can be done?
- Participation in recreation opportunities is vital to the health and well being
of Canada’s children and youth, as well as their families and communities. Access to
recreational opportunities has been shown to improve mental health and success in school.
Recreation “levels the playing field” for Canada’s economically disadvantaged children and youth.
- The National Children’s Alliance has worked with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
to develop Public Spaces – Family Places, a program to enhance the capacity of communities for
the delivery of inclusive recreational spaces and programs. We call on the federal government
to invest $300 million over the next three years in this new initiative in order to improve the
health status of our young people.
- Establish a “Child and Youth Centre” within Canada’s new Public Health Agency with a focus on Preventive Health.
Ask the questions...
- Will your party invest in making Canada’s communities places of health, safety and growth for families and children?
- Does your party believe that prevention is a priority for Canada’s health care policies for children?
On to Ensuring Public Accountability
Meeting Basic Needs
Reaching Potential
Supporting Aboriginal Children and Youth
Ensuring Public Accountability
Conclusion
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