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HEx Prescribing Health Education in Canada: Moving from Insight to Action - A PHE Canada Thinkers Report

PHE Canada
A group of three school-age children can be seen walking together outside a school. They appear happy and are clearly enjoying each other's company.

In May 2025, over one hundred physical and health educators, school system leaders, medical professionals, public health experts, researchers, policy makers and youth came together for PHE Canada’s annual Thinkers Gathering. Sponsored by Brock University’s Faculty of Education, the 2025 Thinkers Gathering focused on Health Education in Canada — its challenges, gaps, and the urgent changes needed to ensure every young person graduates health literate.

2025 PHE Canada Thinkers Report

Thinkers Report 2025 Cover

Read the 2025 PHE Canada Thinkers Report

The 2025 Thinkers Gathering opened with a presentation from Dr. Lauren Sulz, who shared key insights from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded research.

As Dr. Sulz emphasized, “We do not need more evidence that Health Education matters; we need more courage to act as though it does.” Participants were then invited to engage in table discussions guided by the following questions:

  • What conditions are necessary for health education to be implemented successfully in K–12 schools?
  • What factors influence the ability to implement quality health education in K–12 schools?
  • How can health education be prioritized within teacher education programs?
  • How can health education become more valued within schools?

Each table was supported by a scribe who recorded key discussion points. Notes from all tables were compiled and analyzed, resulting in the identification of seven interrelated key insights and 25 recommendations aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of health education in the Canadian context. 

We invite you to read this document and join us in advocating for the 25 recommendations and championing the actions that will guide us towards achieving meaningful and sustainable solutions within our school communities.

Authors

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PHE Canada
Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) champions healthy, active kids by promoting and advancing quality health and physical education...

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