Harper Government Teams Up With Right To Play and the Private Sector to Fund Diabetes Prevention Among Urban First Nations, Métis and Inuit Youth

(OTTAWA) – The Honorable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced an investment to support a program to address diabetes prevention and healthy living among urban First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth.

“Our government is pleased to work with the private sector, to identify integrated ways to promote healthy living and to prevent chronic diseases”, said the Honorable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “Everyone has a role to play in keeping our communities healthy.”

The Federal Government joins the MLSE Foundation, Tim Hortons and Jamie MacDonald, Professional Photographer and Videographer as investors in Right To Play’s Play For Prevention program, which will employ sport and play-based tools to promote education and awareness for diabetes prevention. The program will enhance leadership skills among urban Aboriginal youth, providing them with knowledge on active and healthy living under Right To Play’s Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) program.

“The launch of Play For Prevention marks another milestone in our Canadian programming” said Johann Olav Koss, President and CEO of Right To Play. “The diverse range of stakeholders, including the Federal Government, is a testament to the success and impact of our partnerships. We’re excited to give Aboriginal youth living in urban settings the knowledge, encouragement and leadership skills to improve the health of their communities.”

“After witnessing the positive impact that Right To Play is helping to generate in First Nations, I am pleased this program will expand into additional urban centres,” said Stan Beardy, Ontario Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. “The PLAY program leverages our great culture and identity and is a key factor in successfully building a brighter future for Aboriginal youth.”

The expected results of the project will focus on increasing participation and engagement of off-reserve Aboriginal youth in physically active play, building knowledge of diabetes prevention and healthy living behaviours, and improving the abilities of Community Mentors to promote diabetes prevention and awareness.

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 please visit Multi-sectoral Partnerships to Promote Healthy Living and Prevent Chronic Disease.

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