Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
February 16, 2015

Focusing on Physical Activity, Healthy Living

F/P/T Ministers in B.C. Discuss Ongoing Efforts to Advance Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada

Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation were in Prince George, British Columbia last week (February 12-13) to discuss federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) initiatives to support increased physical activity levels and the enhancement of sports participation throughout the country. The meetings coincided with preparations for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, which officially opened Friday (February 13).

�As we acknowledge the importance of enabling youth to pursue excellence in sport, we also recognize the complex challenge of increasing the levels of physical activity among children and youth � and indeed, for all of our citizens. It is remarkable how fast our world is moving when it comes to technology, and the amount of time our population � particularly our children and youth � are spending in front of some kind of screen. In discussing these issues with my colleagues across Canada, it is clear that a solution must involve a fundamental change in attitudes and the development of partnerships across all sectors of society.�
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Ministers discussed plans to highlight 2015 as the Year of Sport in Canada; planning around the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games taking place in July and August in Toronto; a progress report on recent activities in support of the 2012 Canadian Sport Policy, and the 2015 Healthy Weights Progress Report, currently in development, among other issues.

For more information on the Prince George discussions, see: www.scics.gc.ca.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, close to $9 million is invested annually to support recreational and sports programming including, but not limited to, support for Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Games involvement; the Athletic Excellence Fund; the Community Recreation Support Program; the Seniors Community Recreation Grant Program; Participation Nation Unplugged, the Find Your Fit! Campaign, and more. For more information on sport and recreation programming in this province, visit: //www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/recreation/index.html.

QUICK FACTS

• Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation were in Prince George, British Columbia last week (February 12-13) to discuss federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) initiatives to support increased physical activity levels and the enhancement of sports participation throughout the country.
• Jurisdictions shared information on initiatives designed to increase physical activity and sport involvement.
• In Newfoundland and Labrador, close to $9 million is invested annually to support sportrecreation programming.
• For more information on the Prince George discussions, visit: www.scics.gc.ca. .

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Media contacts:

Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2015 02 16                              3:10 p.m.