Government of Canada announces program to promote healthier weights among First Nations and Métis children

LONDON, ON, Jan. 8, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Member of Parliament for London North Centre and Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, Susan Truppe, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health announced funding for Healthy Weights Connection: Working Together to Promote the Health of First Nations and Métis Children in our Communities, which is one of 11 Innovation Strategy projects aimed at helping families and communities achieve healthier weights.

This Ontario-based project, led by the University of Western Ontario in partnership with the Métis Nation of Ontario, N'Amerind Friendship Centre (London) and the PROPEL Centre for Population Health Impact, promotes healthier weights among First Nations and Métis children and youth by improving opportunities for local health and wellness providers to work together. By supporting collaborative action, the project helps local organizations to provide culturally appropriate and effective programming and services that promote healthy diets, physical activity, and overall well-being. The project facilitates integration of Aboriginal perspectives into the activities of local organizations, increases awareness of Aboriginal communities and cultures, and helps increase the use of existing local programming and resources aimed at achieving healthier weights. It will also connect organizations to knowledge and resources that can help them in their efforts to improve the health of First Nations and Métis children and youth.

Quick Facts

• The Innovation Strategy supports projects that promote public health in communities across Canada, and address complex health issues and their underlying causes. The current focus is on projects that promote mental health and healthier weights among children, youth and families in rural, remote, northern and underserved communities.
• Approximately two out of every three adults in Canada are overweight or obese and almost one in three children and youth are already overweight or obese.
• To date, the Government of Canada has invested more than $51 million in the Innovation Strategy.

Quotes

"Reversing the obesity trend so our children can live a longer, healthier life is a necessary and achievable goal. By bringing together local organizations to support Aboriginal children and their families in achieving healthier weights, this project shows that we all have a role to play to support healthier lifestyles."
Susan Truppe
Member of Parliament for London North Centre and Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women

"Healthy Weights Connection and its partners are excited about promoting healthier weights for First Nations and Métis children, youth, and their families. Through collaboration and partnership, we're aiming to empower local organizations with resources to make it easier to promote health and wellbeing for all members of the community."
Tasha Shields
Project Coordinator
Healthy Weights Connection

Associated Links

Information about the Innovation Strategy

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

Contacts, Michael Bolkenius, Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Federal Minister of Health, [phone]; Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, [phone]

Related Links

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca