Education and Early Childhood Development
May 4, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:

Minister Kirby Recognizes National Physical and Health Education Conference

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to acknowledge the National Physical and Health Education Conference which begins this evening at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s.

This year’s theme, Rock Solid Foundations…Energizing Futures, recognizes the importance of active living and the lifelong value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Delegates at the national conference are people involved with the health, physical activity and education needs of children and youth, including educators, public health professionals, researchers, administrators, recreation leaders, physical education specialists and others who want the opportunity to network with colleagues, increase their knowledge and skills and foster healthy active living for our children and youth in our schools, families and communities.

Our government is committed to supporting increased physical activity in schools through Active Schools, Participation Nation and school-based sport programs offered by School Sport Newfoundland and Labrador.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, we are part of the Joint Consortium for School Health which models, supports and encourages partnerships between health and school health. It works across provincial, territorial and federal governments to better coordinate and integrate efforts that champion improved health and learning for children and youth.

I ask all members of this Honourable House to join me in thanking members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Physical Education Special Interest Council, and Physical and Health Education Canada for hosting such an important and productive event. The dedication of physical education professionals throughout our province has played an essential role in ensuring that our children and youth have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to lead active and healthy lives.

Thank you.

2017 05 04                              2:40 p.m.