August 2005
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A Word from your Chair
Since the last newsletter in March, there have been some important issues to report on.
The most recent and perhaps the most significant event to announce to our physical activity community is the consultation that took place to discuss where to house the proposed federal Physical Activity Unit. Currently, it is part of the Public Health Agency.
As many of you may recall, when Paul DeVillers was Secretary of State for Sport, he expressed interest in combining physical activity with sport as part of one Ministry. Recently, the PMO's office has requested that the Honourable DeVillers investigate the possibility and implications of such a union. CAL, along with other member organizations, was interviewed during this process. CAL's position focused on the need for ministerial leadership on physical activity and adequate resources for our community. CAL reiterated its long standing message that solutions to the physical inactivity crisis in this country do not rest within any one ministry or with one minister. Rather, a comprehensive approach must be adopted to increase the level of physical activity among Canadians and must include buy-in from many ministers. Should a move from the PHAC to a Ministry with Sport assist us in achieving these ends then the transition could prove to be beneficial. I appreciate that some of our member organizations have different opinions about the wisdom of this potential move in light of the collaboration that is required with the healthy living network of organizations. Collaboration on this issue will likely remain a challenge for our community. We anxiously await the release of the report and look forward to reading the recommendations made to the Prime Minister. Thanks to all of you who participated in this consultation.
On behalf of the CAL board, I hope you had an active and safe summer holiday.
Rick Bell
Chair, CAL Board of Directors
Policy Watch
CAL recently launched a Policy Watch website designed to identify, communicate and recommend appropriate responses to policies of national significance affecting the physical activity status of Canadians. Click here for details on the following policy highlights recently submitted to the site:
Provincial Policies
- Plan to strengthen education, health and prosperity of Ontarians reflected in new responsibilities
- Newfoundland to make physical education mandatory in high school
- Tax break looms for transit users: Quebec mulls making passes deductible
Municipal Policies
- Kitchener adopts pedestrian charter
Interested in commenting on any of these policies or in contributing new policies to CAL's Policy Watch? Contact us at info@activeliving.ca.
Update on the Pan-Canadian Healthy Living Strategy
As the Federal/Territorial Ministers of Health develop the Healthy Living Strategy, CAL is still hopeful that certain actions identified in our Pan-Canadian Physical Activity Strategy will play an integral role. As we keep our finger on this pulse, we will keep you posted on the outcomes of the Ministers' upcoming meeting.
Members’ Corner
International Walk to School Week
October 3 - October 7, 2005
International Walk to School Week gives students, parents, teachers and community leaders the opportunity to celebrate the many health and environmental benefits of walking and cycling. In 2004, thousands of students from across Canada walked in this annual celebration. The children learn about safe routes to school and acquire pedestrian and cycling skills – all while having lots of fun!! International Walk to School Week is a component of the national Active and Safe Routes to School program, supported by Go for Green.
National Parks and Recreation Conference and Trade Show
October 12 - October 15, 2005
ARPA in partnership with CPRA, Edmonton from October 12th to 15th. The National Parks and Recreation Conference and Trade Show, which is held annually in various cities across Canada is, on its own, an outstanding educational and networking event for the recreation and parks industry. This year the event will be even more spectacular with the inclusion of four simultaneous National/International Symposiums joining in with the traditional National Parks and Recreation Conference and Trade Show to make one enormous event! Over 1,200 delegates from across Canada are expected to congregate in Edmonton at the Shaw Conference Centre from October 12–15, 2005. Although these events will run simultaneous to the National Parks and Recreation Conference (i.e. once you register for the National Conference or one of the Symposiums you must choose from that specific event's educational opportunities), there will be plenty of opportunities for delegates from each of the five events to come together to share, network, socialize and learn.
Click here to submit your information for our next issue. Conditions apply.
A Word from you Chair
Policy Watch
Update on the Pan-Canadian Healthy Living Strategy
What's New?
CAL is growing
Members’ Corner
WHAT'S NEW?
New CAL Website launched
Click here to visit our newly revamped website.
Call for CAL Board Members
CAL is looking for new board members. Interested or know of someone who would be? Please contact Steve Grundy, CAL COO, at info@activeliving.ca.
CAL Board Members
Rick Bell, (Chair)
Mike Arthur
Christa Costas-Bradstreet
Douglas G. Cripps
Nancy Dubois
P. Douglas Lafreniere
Patricia Marturano
Marie-Claire Pierce
Click here to learn more about CAL's board members.
CAL is growing
CAL now has 95 organizational members and 693 individual members!
Click here for a list of our organizational members and government partners.
2197 Riverside Drive, Suite 403
Ottawa, ON K1H 7X3
Phone: (613) 277-9979
E-mail: info@activeliving.ca