On Monday (Sept. 24) local member of Parliament John Weston introduced his second private member’s bill to the House of Commons.
The West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country politician is hoping the bill to establish a National Health and Fitness Day will be supported by all parties and fitness advocates across the country.
“I am delighted at the widespread support,” said Weston in a press release. “We should be aiming to be the fittest nation on earth. People from all parties and backgrounds are realizing that together we can improve people’s health; reduce health care costs, and benefit the economy.”
Weston hopes to encourage local governments across Canada to open recreational facilities for free public access on the first Saturday of June each year.
After Weston introduced the Bill, supporters walked from the steps of the House of Commons to the steps of Ottawa City Hall to reflect the partnership between Federal and local governments in encouraging health and fitness.
“I hope that National Health and Fitness Day will achieve its objective of getting more Canadians to participate in fitness and sports activities," said B.C. Senator Nancy Greene-Raine, Olympic Ski Champion and Canada’s Female Athlete of the Twentieth Century. “The more we can do to encourage Canadians to be physically active, the more we will help prevent chronic disease and reduce escalating health care costs.”
The twelve municipalities in the riding, including Whistler, already endorse the dedicated Health and Fitness Day and is a progression form the Parliamentary Fitness Initiative by Weston.
The MP has taken efforts to promote healthy living with his fellow politicians in Ottawa by running and swimming together on a regular basis.
“MP John Weston’s commitment to promoting national health and fitness is a great step forward, and I am pleased to support his Bill,” said Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq.
Weston’s first private member’s bill, C-475, that dealt with crystal meth and ecstasy drugs, garnered unanimous support in both Houses.
