Archived News Releases

October 21, 2004

Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald announced today that members have been appointed to the all-party task force that will tour the province asking Manitobans to provide their views on how to keep children and youth active and healthy.

"The current and future health of our kids is an issue that transcends partisan politics," said Oswald. "We need the advice of all parties and all Manitobans to find ways to establish long-term living patterns that will improve the health of our citizens."

The members of the all-party task force to be chaired by Oswald also include:

• Tom Nevakshonoff, MLA for Interlake
• Marilyn Brick, vice-chair, MLA for St. Norbert
• Andrew Swan, MLA for Minto
• Mavis Taillieu, MLA for Morris
• Cliff Cullen, MLA for Turtle Mountain
• Jon Gerrard, MLA for River Heights

The Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Task Force will be holding a series of consultations throughout urban, rural, northern and Aboriginal communities to examine issues of physical activity and nutrition including:

• determining what current community, in-school and government initiatives on activity and nutrition best serve the needs of Manitoba youth;
• exploring the barriers that keep young people from leading active, healthy lives; and
• providing a forum where Manitobans can share ideas on how to tackle the important issues of childhood nutrition and activity as they relate to the health and wellness of children.

Public hearing dates and locations will be announced later in the fall and a web site inviting comments and suggestions from all Manitobans will soon be launched. The committee is expected to report to the legislature in the spring of 2005.

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