QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Health

Hello, minister. Thank you for being here.

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s final report released yesterday highlights the critical role that participation in sport and physical activity plays in supporting both physical and mental health. It shows the importance of integrating sport and physical activity into public health strategies in order to improve overall wellness across all populations.

Given this, minister, how is Health Canada incorporating sport and physical activity into the government’s broader health initiatives and policies?

Thank you very much for your question, senator. Yes, I’ve read the report.

I will tell you that I’m working closely with the Secretary of State for Sport in connection with the initiatives I’m currently involved in, such as consultations. Again, of course, sport doesn’t fall directly under the federal government’s jurisdiction, but we are fully aware that we need to work with our provincial partners to promote sport and its physical and mental health benefits. People need to be active; these are very simple truths that we have drifted away from over time, and we will see how, together, we can change that.

Thank you for that response. I understand that sport is under provincial jurisdictions, but I’m just wondering how you and the federal government will ensure that recommendations from the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s final report are meaningfully implemented and not merely acknowledged.

I can assure you that my colleague Adam van Koeverden, who is the lead on the sports file, is making sure that we are all on it and that we are not working in silos on this specific issue.

Excuse me, Your Honour. I have to go vote. May I be excused?