Government of Canada Announces Funding for Nunavut Project Promoting Healthier Weights

July 8, 2013
For immediate release

Supporting Nunavummiut families by engaging communities

(NUNAVUT) –The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Nunavut, announced funding for an innovative community-based project that will help children, youth and their families achieve and maintain healthier weights and healthier lifestyles in Nunavut.

“It is important for everyone to work together in creating the environments that promote healthy living to reduce obesity and other risk factors that can lead to larger health problems.” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Our Government understands the importance of investing in programs that include families and community organizations to help make the healthier choice, the easier choice.”

Funding will support a project entitled Atii! Let’s Do it!: A comprehensive healthy-living intervention for children, youth and families in Inuit Communities in Nunavut, led by the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre. This project is one of nine projects under the Innovation Strategy: Achieving Healthier Weights in Canada’s Communities announced June 25, 2013.

“Creating opportunities for our children and youth to learn about healthy food choices, physical activity, and Inuit harvesting skills in a fun and exciting way is a critical part of promoting healthy living in our communities,” said Gwen Healey, Executive and Scientific Director of the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre. “We look forward to continuing our work with our communities, families and Elders to share knowledge and skills with the next generation of Nunavummiut.”

Funding through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Innovation Strategy supports innovative programs across Canada to address complex public health issues and underlying environmental, social, demographic and economic factors that affect healthier weights among children, youth and families in Canadian rural, remote, northern and underserved communities.

The Government of Canada is committed to working collaboratively across all sectors to promote programs and activities that support healthy living, physical activity and chronic disease prevention.

For more information, contact:

Health Canada
Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
(613) 957-2983

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