Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Ministers Release - Pan-Canadian Policy to Increase Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Living

OTTAWA, May 31, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation released A Common Vision for Increasing Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Living in Canada: Let's Get Moving. The principal purpose of the Common Vision* is to guide and stimulate coordinated and collaborative policies and actions to increase physical activity and to reduce sedentary behaviours among all Canadians across their lifetime.

A lack of physical activity is a critical public health issue affecting Canadians of all ages. The Common Vision will help to address this by building on current policies, frameworks and strategies already in place relating to sport, recreation and healthy living, while advancing new and emerging approaches in policies and programming.

Ministers also recognized the collaborative efforts between governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia and others in developing the Common Vision. This work included the engagement of policy and program leaders working in multiple sectors, including sport, recreation, health, education and related policy areas. Policy and program leaders, parents, NGOs, Indigenous peoples and other Canadians were consulted to ensure a range of perspectives was included in the development the Common Vision.

The Common Vision responds to the call by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Member States to develop national policies in keeping with the WHO Global Action Plan for Physical Activity released at the 71^st World Health Assembly, held May 23, 2018, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Government officials will work with NGOs, academia, FPT health officials, Indigenous organizations and others to establish a committee to oversee, monitor and report on the implementation of the Common Vision.

The next meeting of FPT ministers is scheduled to take place in Red Deer, Alberta, on February 14, 2019, on the occasion of the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

*Although Quebec is not opposed to the principles underlying the Common Vision, it has its own programs, action plans, objectives and targets for the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The Government of Quebec does not participate in federal, provincial and territorial initiatives in this area, but agrees to exchange information and best practices with other governments.

*Ontario is not a party to this communiqué as it is in an election period.

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

Marion Nader, Office of the Minister, Alberta Culture and Tourism, 780-289-5944; Jill Sveinson, Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, 306-787-5781; Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155