News Release

Government of Canada Helps to Prevent Diabetes by Investing in Community Projects

January 22, 2008
For Immediate Release

St. Catharines - Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, today announced an investment of more than $493,000 for eight community projects across Canada designed to prevent diabetes. 

One of the projects includes a Niagara region initiative called Safe Physical Activity: Where you live, learn and play, which will receive $76,500 and is a collaborative effort of the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre and the Regional Municipality of Niagara.

“Our Government is committed to preventing diabetes, and by working closely with our partners  we can help Canadians make the healthy choices necessary to prevent and manage diabetes,” said Minister Clement.

“The projects I am proud to announce today will allow Canadians to access a range of resources and programs in their communities, such as healthy cooking classes, diabetes awareness kits, and physical activity events,” said Mr. Dykstra.  “The project here in the Niagara region will focus specifically on ensuring elementary school-aged children better understand the risks of diabetes and participate regularly in physical activities.”

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Canada and affects approximately two million Canadians. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 per cent of diabetes cases in Canada. In most cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through physical activity, healthy eating and healthy weight management.

A backgrounder with more information on the funded projects is attached.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the health of Canadians.  For more information on diabetes or healthy living, please visit www.publichealth.gc.ca

 

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Media Inquiries:

Jacinthe Perras
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-941-8189