PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES CHANGE TO TITLE OF SECRETARY OF STATE (AMATEUR SPORT)

June 18, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that effective immediately Mr. Paul DeVillers will serve as the Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) and Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, amending Mr. DeVillers' title and responsibilities.

As the Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport), Mr. DeVillers will provide support to the Minister of Health and the Minister of Canadian Heritage in carrying out their responsibilities for physical activity and sport to ensure a more strategic and integrated approach to promoting healthy living, physical activity and sport.

This change underscores the Government of Canada's commitment to health promotion and disease prevention, and is in keeping with Bill C-12, An Act to Promote Physical Activity and Sport, which entrenches in legislation the Government of Canada's policy objectives related to physical activity and sport.

As Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Mr. DeVillers will continue to support the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons in the management of the government's legislative program.

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