MP tables federal bill to study children’s fitness and physical activity

Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora, Kyle Peterson, has tabled a novel motion in the House of Commons. If approved, Bill M-206 would instruct the Standing Committee on Health to study the levels of fitness and physical activity of Canadian youth.

According to Peterson’s motion, the study would also take into consideration the social, economic, cultural, physical and mental health implications of fitness and physical activity as well as the relationship between increased physical activity and anti-bullying.

Today, Canadian youth are spending too much time in front of screens and they are not reaching the recommended levels of physical activity outlined in the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth. This is cause for concern as it is established fact that physical activity leads to better physical, mental, and emotional health. Engaging in physical activity can also teach youth valuable skills such as time management and self-discipline, commitment, teamwork, respect, and fair play.

“As the father of two young boys, I have seen firsthand the significant benefits that an active lifestyle can have and I have also seen how addictive screen time can be,” says Peterson. “Ensuring that our youth are meeting the recommended physical activity levels is important, and will lead them to a healthier and more successful life.”

Bill M-206 aims to ensure that Parliamentarians study and fully understand the multi-faceted impact that fitness and physical activity have on Canadian youth. Another goal is to provide recommendations and strategies for ways to increase activity levels.

In the 2018 Participaction Report Card on Physical Activity for Children & Youth, Canada received a D+ for Overall Physical Activity. The 2018 federal budget has provided Participaction with $25 million over five years, starting in 2018-2019, to lead Canada towards a more active lifestyle.