Harper Government Partners with Private Sector to Support Healthy Living - Physical Activity and Healthy Eating to be promoted among children

HALIFAX, Sept. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced an investment today for a project to promote healthy living and healthy weights among Canadian children, youth and their families.  With this project, the Government is advancing public health by partnering with the private sector to achieve the common goal of healthier Canadians.

"Obesity is a complex issue and to address it, we need to be innovative, work with numerous partners, and think long-term," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Investments like this will promote healthy living, help reduce obesity and help our children and youth have the healthiest possible start in life."

Led by Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, the project announced today will receive federal funding with additional funding from Sun Life Financial, to expand the Get BUSY program, which offers a range of physical activity opportunities and promotes healthy eating choices among children ages 8 to 12. The project will be implemented in 22 communities across the country, including low-income, rural, remote and northern communities.

"The government's commitment of funding to support Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is incredible news," said Pam Jolliffe, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada President and CEO. "The goal of the Get BUSY program is to help children and youth live healthier lives and a partnership like this allows us to combine our resources to make that happen."

"Sun Life is very proud to support Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, specifically the Get BUSY program, because we are committed to promoting health and wellness in the communities where we live and work," says Mary De Paoli, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer and Public & Corporate Affairs. "We believe this program has huge potential to educate and encourage young Canadians to live healthier lives and become role models to future generations."

The Public Health Agency of Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the health of Canadians. A fact sheet about the project is attached.

FACT SHEET September 2012

HEALTHY LIVING:
PRIVATE - PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR HEALTHIER LIVING

Get BUSY Program

Through Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, the Get BUSY program offers a range of physical activity opportunities (e.g., rock climbing) and promotes healthier eating choices (e.g., nutritious cooking classes) for children between the ages of eight and 12.

Funding will be used over a 24 month period to implement the program in 22 communities across the country, including low-income, rural, remote and northern communities.  The program offers a range of physical activity opportunities to children and youth and equips them with information in order to make healthier choices.  The program will also include a new focus on building more supportive physical and social environments in participating locations.

Image with caption: "Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq visits the East Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club, Dartmouth NS, while announcing Government of Canada partnership with private sector to support healthy living on Thursday, September 27, 2012 (CNW Group/PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120927_C2031_PHOTO_EN_18606.jpg

SOURCE: PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA