SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — National Health and Fitness Day

Honourable senators, it is that time of year again. Created through legislation and through the leadership of our retired colleague former senator Nancy Greene Raine over a decade ago, we nationally recognize the first Saturday in June as National Health and Fitness Day.

From parks and trails, recreation centres and neighbourhood streets, our communities are built for movement. You have received an email that advises you where, how and what you can post on your socials to celebrate and participate. Please share this with Canadians.

We want each of you, of course, healthy first, and then we want to ensure that your communities have what they need to ensure all Canadians are active.

I mentioned parks and trails, and I would like to use this opportunity to again highlight our beloved Trans Canada Trail, or TCT, system. Stretching more than 30,000 kilometres from coast to coast to coast, the Trans Canada Trail system is the longest multi-use trail system in the world.

There is no question: This trail system is nation-building infrastructure that unites Canadians and delivers lasting economic, social and environmental values. Much work has been done to make this trail system an accessible public space to exercise and experience nature. Tree bathing — the therapeutic practice of immersing yourself in a forest or natural environment to absorb its atmosphere through your senses — is quite abundant.

This past winter, I was able to enjoy time on this trail in both Whitehorse and Yellowknife. It connects 1,000 communities and facilitated 145 million visits in just 2025. Who knew that the parents of Senator Colin Deacon were critical leads in getting this trail linked and ready for Canada’s one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary? They are a legacy in this work, as is Valerie Pringle, former chair of the TCT Foundation, who has returned to the board to assist in ensuring trail work and upkeep can happen.

Colleagues, immersing yourself in the natural environment has been shown to restore your attention and ability to concentrate, which so important in the age of the smartphone. It boosts your mood, and there is even evidence that it can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. All you need is 10 to 20 minutes to experience these benefits. For many of us, this trail is a short drive away. So, get out there and enjoy them, as we are so fortunate to have these trails.

Also, you will recall that I recently closed an inquiry on the vital role of physical activity and sport on behalf of Senators McBean, Petitclerc and myself. Your stories and reflections were incredible. I wanted to update you that we bound copies of this inquiry for those who participated in the speeches. We shared it with our athletes, partners and Olympians, and we are sending an e-copy to each of you. Take note of some of the incredible pictures of your colleagues in another time.

Lastly, colleagues, you will shortly receive an invitation to the annual Corporate Security Directorate golf tournament. I have the honour and privilege to serve as this year’s honorary chair. It will be held on Friday, September 18, at The Meadows Golf & Country Club here in Ottawa. Our staff, friends and family are all welcome to attend to raise money for a worthy cause, while also showing our appreciation for the protection that these brave men and women give us day in and day out.

Thank you. Meegwetch.