WHEREAS obesity is the accumulation of large amounts of body fat which can have a negative effect on the health of an individual;
WHEREAS in 2008, Statistics Canada reported that 51 percent of Canadians over the age of 12 were overweight or obese, and 17 per cent were obese. The highest rates were among 55-64 year olds, with 22 percent in that age group wrestling with excess weight;
WHEREAS obesity, heart disease, stroke and related health concerns cost the Canadian economy $22.2 billion each year in physician services, hospital costs, lost wages and decreased productivity;
WHEREAS research is indicating Canada is facing an inactivity and obesity crisis whose impact on the cost of future chronic disease management is almost unimaginable;
WHEREAS the well-being of Canadians is much less determined by the health care system than by choices that influence healthy living;
BE IT RESOLVED the Liberal Party of Canada, concerned with the overall health of Canadians, will support community based healthy living initiatives to encourage citizens to achieve healthy living results and outcomes by becoming involved in registered weight loss, exercise, and behaviour modification programs;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED a personal Health Investment Tax Deduction, to reward successful participation in these healthy living activities will be investigated and implemented which could assist in improving the overall health of Canadians, and as a result ease the strain on the health -care system and improve workforce productivity.
Liberal Party of Nova Scotia
NO
Obesity issues should be near the top of the agenda but I’m not sure this is the best way to tackle it. A comprehensive approach is required including some of the following:
- walkable communities – including schools (which are closing and being consolidated due to aging infrastructure forcing kids into buses and cars)
- nutritional info on menus, at least calories, fat and sodium content
- recognition of obesity as a chronic condition and dedicated traing for health professionals in management as such.
The list is very long and I am not an expert nor will I attempt to complete it. The Canadian Obesity Network is an organization of experts and has done a ton of work in this area.
Re: the above resolution, I’m not sure where these registered programs would come from. If this issue was easy to solve, we wouldn’t have the problem we have now.
This problem needs to be addressed through a food policy agenda an d an overhaul at Health Canada, which moves too slowly on health issues. Mr. Ignatieff brought up a food policy during the last election, although I do not know the details. The quality of food out there is abysmal and the food companies are guilty of fostering deception about their products. The Centre for Science In The Public Interest has detailed many of these abuses and false claims and the Liberal party should pay heed to their input. Fast food has resulted in the ovrall decline of health in our citizens and these outlets need to list ingredients and calories in their menus. Taxing junk food and teaching our children to eat healthier needs to be a priority.
Obesity is one of the most important issues facing Canadians today. Much information is available. Leadership has to be provided by our elected members at all levels of governments including and particularly municipalities and school boards. The Liberal Party has a great opportunity here to make a major impact on health budgets and the well-being of Canadians.
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