Chief Public Health Officer of Canada at the 3rd International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health

Toronto, Ontario
May 5, 2010

Thank you for your kind introduction, Doctor MacPherson.

Good evening to all.

I want to offer regrets on behalf of Minister Aglukkaq, who is unable to join us this evening. I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak in her place.

To everyone here from outside Canada, welcome to our country and welcome to Toronto.
We often use the expression: “Strike while the iron is hot.” It’s another way of saying “seize the opportunity” or “Timing is everything.”

Well I think it’s fair to say that physical activity is a very hot issue. We hear about it on television and radio and we read about it in newspapers.

Most of that coverage is about how “unfit” we are. It’s about how we need to get more exercise. As a society, we have never been more aware of the importance of physical activity, especially for our children.
So now is the time for us to act. We have to strike now.

That’s why the work at this conference is so important. I know that a good part of the discussions will be about the determinants of physical activity.

What gets people off the couch and what keeps them on the couch?

You should know that Toronto hosted the first International Conference on Exercise, Fitness and Health more than two decades ago.
Since that time, the level of public awareness on the importance of physical activity has only grown.

And yet sedentary lifestyles have become more common, obesity rates have gone up, and the burden of chronic disease has increased.

So it’s clear that awareness is not always translated into action.

Those of us who draft policy rely on people like you to help guide that policy. And we want to draft policy that will get people moving and on the road to better health.

Physical inactivity is one of the top-five risks for mortality.

From top to bottom, they are: high blood pressure; smoking; high blood glucose; physical inactivity; and obesity. 

Physical inactivity is also a risk factor for three of the other four.

But encouraging greater physical activity is about more than improving physical fitness.

It’s also about reducing anxiety and improving mental health.

It’s about connecting people and enhancing communities. 

It’s about contributing to a circle of healthier, happier individuals building more vibrant communities, which encourage even greater health and happiness.

As Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, I know that chronic diseases are painful for those who suffer from them. And I can also see the toll they take on the health care system.

Canadians are passionate about having a high quality health care system. We want a system that gives everyone the health services they need, when they need them, to get back on their feet. 
 
But I know Minister Aglukkaq would like Canadians to develop a new passion; one focused on maintaining and improving health, and preventing illness in the first place.

I know that these ideas will be a part of the discussions you will have in the coming days.

In closing, I wish you well in your work together.

The Government of Canada is proud to support and participate in this international congress.

Your discussions will contribute to an improved global understanding of the links between physical activity promotion and public health. 

I am confident that you will help lead the way to effective policies and programs to improve the health and well-being of people around the globe.

The benefits you can help achieve are limitless.

I say so, because increased physical activity is vital to healthy lives.

On that note, I wish you luck on the Toronto Charter on Physical Activity and will watch, with interest its evolution.

Minister Aglukkaq and I look forward to hearing your ideas and considering how they can help in pursuing a future of greater health and wellness of people and communities in Canada and all countries of the world.

Thank you.