Senator Moreau, allow me to wish you my best and to congratulate you on your new responsibilities.

The government made it clear that the November 4 budget will contain austerity measures as well as strategic investments. Many organizations that promote physical activity are very concerned that this could mean cuts to their federal public funding. Nowadays, only 49% of adults and 43% of young people follow the recommendations for physical activity. This inactivity costs nearly $4 billion. Senator Moreau, would you agree that investing in these organizations is a strategic investment? Can you reassure these organizations that the health of Canadians remains a priority and that they will continue to be supported?

Thank you. If you get a chance, could you please raise another issue of concern to the community related to the nature of funding for physical activity? In the past, multi-year funding was the norm, allowing for greater predictability and stability. Now, however, we see a trend toward limiting commitments to an annual term, which creates major planning difficulties and limits the capacity for action. ParticipACTION, for example, received $5 million this year, but that amount covers just one year. Could you pass on the message to have multi-year funding reinstated?