Bill 170 2011

An Act to proclaim Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Preamble

Obesity continues to be one of the biggest threats to our economy.  The country spends billions of dollars every year treating obesity related diseases, most of which are preventable.

According to Statistics Canada, youths across the country have been getting "fatter" for 25 years. Since the late 1970s, the average rate of overweight teens has more than doubled while the rates of known cases of obesity have tripled. The most recent figures, which were recorded in 2004, show that 26 per cent of Canadian youth between the ages of 2 and 17 were either overweight or obese. This means that there are millions of children across Canada who are overweight or obese, putting them at a higher risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other illnesses.

TransformNation Inc. is an organization that was designed with a primary objective of stimulating and supporting community development through engagement and inclusiveness.  The organization implements meaningful programs for children, youth, families and communities.  It gives people the opportunity to change and make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.

TransformNation Inc. recently launched a new campaign for 2011: "SOS", Conquering Childhood Obesity and Related Illnesses Within this Generation.  This community-focused initiative was developed in response to issues affecting healthy lifestyle choices among our youths.  It is aimed at improving their physical health by encouraging better diets and sufficient exercise.

Childhood obesity is a serious social and economic condition that plays a defining role in our children's health.  Proclaiming April as Childhood Obesity Awareness Month supports the work of TransformNation Inc. by heightening awareness about childhood obesity.  It will have a significant impact on changing the future by creating a healthier and happier generation of kids.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

   1.  April in each year is proclaimed as Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

Commencement

   2.  This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

   3.  The short title of this Act is the Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Act, 2011.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims April in each year as Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.