Newmarket-Aurora MP Kyle Peterson firmly believes we can do more to get our kids moving, not only to improve their physical health but for the mental health benefits, too.
Peterson's private members motion, M-206, for a study of youth fitness is to receive its second reading in the standing committee on health Monday, Feb. 25.
When first presenting his motion to the committee Dec. 11, 2018, Peterson highlighted that increasing the level of activity of youth has many positive impacts, including new evidence that active children are more more resilient to bullying.
"Physically active youth have always been known to be healthy, but only recently have we realized that the health benefits of physical activity go beyond strong muscles and strong bones. The social benefits are innumerable," he told the committee.
"New evidence shows that the mental health benefits are almost as great. Children who are active are more resilient to bullying, less prone to bouts of depression and have fewer suicidal thoughts in adolescence and adulthood."
Yet a recent Participaction report card gave Canada a less than stellar grade, with a C- average.
In overall physical activity, Canada scored a D+. Active play was a D, active transportation was a D-, sedentary behaviour was a D+ and physical fitness was a D. Schools graded well at B-. Community and environment scored a B+ and family and peers scored a C+.
If the motion is passed, it would see the health committee studying the benefits of physical activity in youth, by gathering and assessing the large and growing amount of evidence, and then recommending what role the federal government should play in encouraging health in our children, Peterson said.
"The evidence, as I said, is copious. It needs to be harnessed and it needs a federal push," he added.
For Peterson, the motion "comes from a personal place".
"I am the father of two young children. I am also the son of a phys ed teacher. My father, unfortunately, passed away the year I was elected to the chamber and did not get to see me as a member of Parliament. In part, this motion is a tribute to his memory and the fact he always taught me to be a good sport, to take part in physical activity and to make sports part of my childhood, and for that I will be forever grateful."
As a parent of young boys, he also knows well the challenge of limiting "screen time" and "getting those tablets out of children's hands" to get them moving.
"I do have confidence that the motion will pass successfully, but if you could spread the word to your networks to encourage their local MPs to support it, it would be helpful," Peterson said in an email to supporters.
He is also encouraging support through social media.
“Please support @kylejpeterson motion and promote physical activity for Canada’s youth. #ActiveKidsareHealthyKids #M206”
The second reading should take place at around 11 a.m. Monday, Peterson advises, with the vote expected to take place Wednesday afternoon or evening.
Motion M-206 states: That the Standing Committee on Health be instructed to undertake a study on the level of fitness and physical activity of youth in Canada and provide recommendations and report on: a) strategies to increase the level of fitness and physical activity for youth; b) the economic, social, cultural and physical and mental health benefits associated with increased fitness and physical activity among youth; c) the impact of increased fitness and physical activity in relation to anti-bullying; d) and that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House no later than June 2019
