Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

January 25, 2008

PROVINCE LAUNCHES WORKPLACES IN MOTION



Workplaces in motion, a new component of the Manitoba in motion program that will encourage employees and employers to build physical activity into their daily lives at work, was launched today by Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross and Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport Minister Eric Robinson.

“With the majority of Canadian adults spending half their waking hours at or commuting to and from work, it only makes sense to support healthy living options in the workplace,” said Irvin-Ross.  “Wellness programs in the workplace not only help employees’ improve their personal health and fitness, but can also reduce stress, cut down on the number of sick days and help improve productivity.”

Organizations that register for Workplaces in motion will receive:
  • the Workplaces in motion resource manual with ideas and suggestions on how to provide more physical activity opportunities in the workplace and access to resources on the in motion websites,
  • tips and tools for easy exercise challenges and activities for the workplace and implementing a physical activity strategy in the workplace,
  • ongoing support and information to help develop an action plan at work, and
  • eligibility to apply for Workplaces in motion grants to help organizations increase regular physical activity among employees.

“This new initiative builds on our province’s commitment to supporting healthy living and regular physical activity through Manitoba in motion,” said Robinson.  “Workplaces in motion will help organizations around the province provide a supportive environment for employees to become more physically active and improve their health.”

Irvin-Ross also noted that more than $126,000 in new Communities in motion grants will support
49 projects helping communities promote physical activity in Manitoba.  Funds must be used for new or expanded activities and not for existing programs and services.  Examples of these projects include:
  • offering a chair yoga program to children, youth and families in Whitemouth;
  • expanding the Step Challenge Plus 2008 program throughout Manitoba to encourage adults and families with busy schedules to track and increase their daily walking steps;
  • implementing preschool and family physical activity programs in the Assiniboine health region, Morden and Flin Flon;
  • organizing regular outdoor activities throughout the winter in Pikwitoeni including snowmobile outings with hot chocolate and snacks, skating, skiing and indoor activities such as badminton and volleyball;
  • developing an accessible walking program and other physical activities for seniors in River Heights; and
  • offering and promoting activities that will encourage inactive adolescent girls to get in motion in Flin Flon and Winnipeg.

Since October 2005, the province has invested more than $650,000 in 253 grants to Communities in motion projects aimed at increasing physical activity.

Manitoba in motion is a provincial strategy to help all Manitobans make physical activity part of their daily lives for health and enjoyment.  Implementing Manitoba in motion was a key recommendation of the all-party Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Task Force.

For more information on Manitoba in motion and to view a full list of the most recent Manitoba in motion grants, visit www.manitobainmotion.ca/.

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