Statement -Gélinas Private Member Bill and Menu Labelling

TORONTO, June 2 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors would like to congratulate France Gélinas, MPP for Nickelbelt for introducing Healthy Decisions for Health Eating Act, 2010, which would require calorie counts to be posted on menu boards in chain restaurants across the province.

For over a year, Ontario's doctors have been calling for similar action from the government. In that time since our call was first put out for calorie counts to be posted on menus and menu boards, over 35 municipalities and 3 school boards across the province have passed resolutions in support of menu labelling. In addition, there are over 25 US states that now have menu labelling and more recently, it was included in the American Federal Health Care Reform legislation signed by President Barack Obama.

We know obesity is an epidemic that needs immediate action. Recent reports show that the fitness levels of Canadians have dropped dramatically since 1981, nearly two-thirds of Canadian adults and more than a quarter of children are overweight or obese. The facts speak for themselves and the time for action is now. Ontario has a chance to be a leader in Canada in tackling obesity and Ontario's doctors are calling on MPP's from all parties to support and pass this important piece of legislation.

Mark MacLeod, MD

President, Ontario Medical Association

For further information: OMA Media Relations, [phone], 1-800-268-7215 ext. 2862