Backgrounder on the Role of the Government of Canada

Childhood Obesity

Over the last 25 years, we have witnessed an alarming rise in the proportion of children at an unhealthy weight.  Obesity rates among children and youth have nearly tripled during this period and indications are that the rates of overweight and obesity among First Nations children are 2-3 times higher than the Canadian average. It is an issue that affects children everywhere in Canada - across the country and across diverse populations.

Like tobacco, obesity substantially increases the risk of developing some of the most debilitating chronic diseases in Canada; obesity contributes to  type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Obesity also affects mental health (e.g., poor self esteem), both in the short term and the long term.

We know that poor eating habits and physical inactivity lead to obesity, and that excess weight over time increases the risk of developing chronic health problems. Children can be particularly vulnerable.  Children may have fewer options than adults for healthy eating and physical activity in environments over which they have little or no control.

Government of Canada’s Role

Canada’s New Government is taking action to promote healthy eating, physical activity and healthy weights through a number of activities.

Key initiatives include:

• Canada’s new Food Guide, which provides useful information to Canadians on healthy eating and includes a first-ever version tailored to the needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis;
• investing $5 million to help fund a renewed ParticipACTION.  This funding will support a renewed national public awareness campaign to encourage Canadians to maintain an active lifestyle;
• introducing a Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. As of January 1, 2007, parents have been able to claim a tax credit on up to $500 of eligible expenses from sport and physical activity programs for each child under the age of 16, promoting physical fitness, including sport, among children;
• Canada’s Physical Activity Guides, including guides to help children and youth improve their health through regular physical activity.

Canada’s New Government is committed to working with all levels of government, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders, including First Nations and Inuit partners, to promote physical activity and healthy eating. It does this through mechanisms including:

• the Public Health Network Council, which allows federal, provincial and territorial governments to share knowledge and collaborate on shared priorities; and
• recent investments in community-based health promotion and disease prevention programs such as the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program Aboriginal Head Start and the Maternal Child Health Program, which contribute to improved health outcomes by promoting healthy eating and physical activity.

For more information

Canadians can find information on healthy eating and physical activity by visiting www.HealthyCanadians.gc.ca.