Immediate Release
Ottawa, November 28, 2019 – On Thursday, November 28, 2019, Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada released the following statements of congratulations to newly-appointed federal ministers with responsibilities for health; sport; diversity, inclusion and youth; as well as families, children and social development.
Health
“On behalf of Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada and its partners, we would like to congratulate the Honourable Patty Hajdu on her recent re-election to Canada’s 43rd Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North and new appointment to Cabinet as Canada’s Minister of Health. The federal health portfolio plays a critical role in the prosperity of our nation - including through the mandate of the Public Health Agency of Canada with responsibilities for physical activity, health promotion and chronic disease prevention. In helping the people of Canada improve and maintain their health, Health Canada’s mandate and responsibilities serve all Canadians where they live, work, learn and play. PHE Canada looks forward to working with the federal government and with Minister Hajdu to contribute solutions in addressing the public health crisis of physical inactivity in Canada, specifically among Canada’s children and youth. Specifically, PHE Canada aims to contribute to advancing A Common Vision for Increasing Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Living in Canada: Let’s Get Moving! The Common Vision is Canada’s first-ever, Pan-Canadian policy framework for reducing physical inactivity and addressing sedentary living released in May, 2018. PHE Canada will focus its contribution on the important area of Leadership and Learning identified in the Common Vision. Working since 1933, PHE Canada builds healthy school communities – an approach and concept that acknowledges the joint responsibility on the school and broader community for the physical and social health of students, staff and families who are part of each school.”
Lori Munro-Sigfridson, President, PHE Canada Board of Directors
Melanie Davis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Sport
“On behalf of Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada and its partners, we would like to congratulate The Honourable Steven Guilbeault on his recent election to Canada’s 43rd Parliament for Laurier – Sainte-Marie and new appointment to Cabinet as Canada’s Minister of Canadian Heritage. The federal heritage portfolio plays a critical role in the prosperity of our nation, vital to advancing cultural identity, sport, as well as civic and economic life of Canada. Sport is an integral part of Canadian culture and identity. It is through recreational and competitive sport that many Canadians benefit from regular physical activity. For Canada’s children and youth, quality, daily physical and health education in schools is a foundation for enjoyable and successful sport participation. Working since 1933, PHE Canada builds healthy school communities – an approach and concept that acknowledges the joint responsibility on the school and broader community for the physical and social health of students, staff and families who are part of each school.”
Lori Munro-Sigfridson, President, PHE Canada Board of Directors
Melanie Davis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
“On behalf of Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada and its partners, we would like to congratulate the Honourable Bardish Chagger on her recent re-election to Canada’s 43rd Parliament for Waterloo and new appointment to Cabinet as Canada’s Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth. The newly created portfolio of diversity, inclusion and youth will play a critical role in the prosperity of our nation. Much because it embraces the positive, changing cultural, social, linguistic and economic fabric of our country, including the importance of harnessing the strength of diverse opinions and perspectives of all of Canada’s peoples. Canada’s 8 million children and youth represent the future of Canada. Quality, daily physical education and physical activity in all its forms helps children develop practices, knowledge, skills and attitudes to be healthy, active and to thrive as resilient, contributing citizens in their communities. Working since 1933, PHE Canada builds healthy school communities – an approach and concept that acknowledges the joint responsibility on the school and broader community for the physical and social health of students, staff and families who are part of each school.”
Lori Munro-Sigfridson, President, PHE Canada Board of Directors
Melanie Davis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Families, Children and Social Development
“On behalf of Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada and its partners, we would like to congratulate the Honourable Ahmed Hussen on his recent re-election to Canada’s 43rd Parliament for York South-Weston and new appointment to Cabinet as Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. The newly created portfolio for families, children and social development will play a critical role in the prosperity of our nation. Much because it embraces the critical role of families and the community in shaping the social, economic and cultural diversity in all communities in Canada. Children and families are the future of Canada. PHE Canada looks forward to working with the federal government and with Minister Hussen to contribute solutions in addressing the health, learning and social challenges facing all Canada’s children and families by building healthy school communities - a concept that acknowledges the joint responsibility on the school and broader community for the physical and social health of students, staff and families who are part of each school.”
Lori Munro-Sigfridson, President, PHE Canada Board of Directors
Melanie Davis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer