Health committee  There's some information on daily physical activity initiatives. In Alberta, they mandated daily physical activity for 30 minutes in early 2000. Ontario did something similar, so that we do have, and I can certainly share it with you later.

Health committee  Sure, absolutely.

Health committee  Yes, I can definitely share some information with you. In Alberta they have an organization called Ever Active Schools. They have done a lot of great work with health in schools, and we're working closely with them. One of the things we would like to do that we think would motivate and inspire schools to do more is to have a recognition program.

Health committee  Absolutely, and it is especially in evidence in the health-promoting schools initiative. We can set up tools and resources that support schools in assessing where they are and the types of things they need to be doing to become a health-promoting school. A national recognition program, or a move toward a certification program, would be a great goal for schools to aspire to.

Health committee  No, but I can give you some background information on our vision and our direction.

Health committee  Yes.

Health committee  I don't recall exactly anything specific. They talked a lot about school-based programs and active transportation. That was a big part of their focus. I don't recall maybe because my focus is on children and youth. That's what I was listening for.

Health committee  Absolutely. I don't have much to add to that. I completely agree with Kelly. We need to show this is a serious issue. And the commitment and intensity of how we're going to address this needs to start at the federal level. We see it in other countries as well. As Kelly pointed out, it is all intersected in terms of policies, infrastructure, education, health, and workplace justice.

Health committee  Well, we understand that education is a provincial jurisdiction, but as I mentioned in my speech, this is a health issue. You have these statistics on the health of our kids and we know that every child goes to school. So definitely, we need the federal government, like the World Health Organization and UNESCO, to take a strong stance and say that physical education is a fundamental right for every child and they should be accessing a quality physical education program, which equates to about 150 minutes a week, and also a qualified teacher and adequate resources in a supportive environment.

Health committee  Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak with you today. I had the opportunity to speak to this committee four years ago and also to participate in the Kellie Leitch “Reaching for the Top” report . I also spoke last year to the Standing Committee on Finance. A lot of the messages that I will speak of today are very consistent, because we still have a huge challenge in front of us.