Government of Canada announces funding to help Aboriginal children and youth achieve healthier weights in London

July 28, 2011
For Immediate Release

Fact Sheet: Innovation Strategy – Healthy Weights

(London, Ontario) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced funding to support the University of Western Ontario’s community-based project designed to promote healthier weights in Aboriginal children and youth.The project will support the creation of a local network to enhance collaboration among community partners in London and nearby First Nations and Métis communities, resulting in more culturally appropriate and effective programming.

“Investing in healthier weights is an important step in promoting good health and preventing illness among Canadians,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Obesity is a particular challenge among Aboriginal children and youth, which is why the Government of Canada is pleased to support community-based projects aimed at addressing this issue.”

“Our community will benefit greatly from this investment,” said Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London North Centre. “This project is truly innovative in its approach to address health inequalities related to obesity. Work is being done at the local level to develop programs that address issues specific to our communities.”

“We are very pleased to receive this funding,” said Dr. Martin Cooke, Project Co-Lead of the University of Waterloo. “Developing a strong, collaborative network is important. This project will support our work with partners to take positive steps to develop culturally appropriate programs for off-reserve First Nations and Métis children and youth.”

The Government of Canada is providing funding through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Innovation Strategy for projects to help children and youth achieve healthy weights; create supportive workplaces for Canadians to achieve healthy weights; and develop the conditions for rural, remote, northern and underserved communities to achieve healthy weights. The Innovation Strategy supports innovative public health interventions across Canada that address complex public health issues and their underlying causes.

Media Inquiries

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

Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 941-8189