The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize June as Recreation Month. This year’s theme – Recreation Can – highlights the many ways being active and involved in recreational activities can enrich the lives of individuals, families and communities.

Recreation creates social connections, provides opportunities for personal growth, encourages the development of leadership skills, promotes regular physical activity and improves physical and mental health. At the community level, recreation brings people of all ages together to participate in activities that enrich quality of life and support social and economic development.

As a government, we recognize the vital role recreation plays in helping us lead healthy, active and balanced lives. We remain committed to increasing awareness and engaging individuals and communities to take action to promote healthy active living.

Through our Community Healthy Living Fund, we provide funding for such initiatives as trail development, recreation facility upgrades, playgrounds, community gardens, 50+ exercise and activity programs, youth recreation activities and healthy eating programs in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

We also provide funding to Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador to offer leadership and training for recreation professionals and volunteers, advance and support recreation and sport opportunities for persons with disabilities, and promote and support people to pursue recreation activities during their leisure time.

I would like to thank Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador and the many community recreation partners and volunteers throughout the province for their ongoing efforts to provide recreation opportunities to residents.

I encourage all Honourable members and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to celebrate Recreation Month by sharing their love for recreation with others to encourage their participation. I also invite everyone to explore the many ways recreation can benefit them, their families and their communities through improved physical, mental and social well-being.

Thank you.