YMCA Canada Applauds the Speech from the Throne: Commitment to National
Strategy on Childhood Injury Prevention an Important Step Forward

TORONTO, March 4 /CNW/ - Scott Haldane, President and CEO YMCA Canada applauds the federal government for stating in the Speech from the Throne by Governor General Michaëlle Jean: "To prevent accidents that harm our children and youth, our Government will also work in partnership with non-governmental organizations to launch a national strategy on childhood injury prevention".

Each year, the YMCA involves nearly one million Canadian children and youth in a wide variety of programs delivered through hundreds of sites in every province across Canada. Ever since the release of Dr. Kellie Leitch's report - "Reaching for the Top: a Report by the Advisor on Healthy Children and Youth" in March 2008, the YMCA has been increasing and focusing its efforts to dramatically improve the overall health of our children and youth.

"We recognize that unintentional injuries are the number one cause of death among Canadian children from one to fourteen years of age," Haldane says. "We are delighted that the Government of Canada has committed to this important investment in our young people, their families and our society".

The YMCA is ready and eager to work in partnership with government, the private sector, other charities and non-governmental organizations and, most importantly, children, youth and families to take action on this important commitment.

About the YMCA

The YMCA is dedicated to the growth of Canadians in spirit, mind and body, and in a sense of responsibility to the global community. As one of Canada's oldest and largest charities, the YMCA serves more than 1.9 million people of all backgrounds, abilities and stages of life including, 830,200 children and youth under the age of 17. The YMCA offers a range of programs designed to respond to community needs, including: youth employment; community outreach; newcomer services; health, fitness and recreation; international development; child care; and day and resident camping. Experience YMCA Strong Kids at www.ymcastrongkids.ca and to learn more about the YMCA go to www.ymca.ca.

For further information: or to arrange interviews with Mr. Haldane, contact: Jennifer Holmes Weier, External Relations Manager, YMCA Canada, T: [phone] ext 227, C: [phone], E: [email protected]