Physical inactivity and obesity are an epidemic, and not just an individual problem. It exists in the United States, in all industrialized countries and in Canada, in all age groups, all communities, and all cities. So this is not just an individual problem, and a structural approach must be put in place.
Since World War II, we have developed low-density cities with few or no services and a culture of single-family homes. The role of the various levels of government is to limit municipal development. At the very least, their role is to inspire better practices and develop new standards, namely for urban transportation, either through taxation or tax measures, and to use transportation and urban development to stop giving priority to automobile travel.
That is the role of government. It involves urban development, access to sanitary housing, healthy food and a transportation system that is safe and that promotes health. In our view, that is what health promotion is all about, and it is part of the responsibilities faced by all levels of government.
Thank you.