Debates of June 2, 2006 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in April, I was pleased to launch the 2006 Get Active NWT community challenge at the Circle of Northern Leaders meeting in Norman Wells.

This campaign is a friendly challenge to NWT residents to increase their physical activity. I want to thank all Members of the Legislative Assembly for their enthusiastic participation and to recognize Mr. Miltenberger and the other Mr. McLeod for having the most steps on their pedometers.

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At the end of last year’s Get Active challenge, over 6,400 residents of the Northwest Territories participated and made a commitment to being physically active. In total, participants logged over 101,000 hours of physical activity.

The 2006 Get Active NWT community challenge is now in its fourth week and I am extremely pleased to report that more than 5,500 residents have registered. This represents 13 percent of the NWT population who have committed to being physically active this spring and summer.

Mr. Speaker, some communities have demonstrated outstanding participation and I would like to take a moment to recognize Colville Lake, Deline, Whati, Lutselk’e, Tuktoyaktuk and Wrigley who are leading with the most citizens registered to date.

There are also other impressive results for me to report. In the month of May, students at the Harry Camsell School in Hay River logged an incredible 954,000 minutes. Over 10 children in Deline participated in the community carnival scavenger hunt and, as a result, logged 15,000 minutes of physical activity. In Tuktoyaktuk, residents have been active in basketball, soccer and floor hockey and have logged over 650 hours.

I know many individuals will continue to carry on with their personal commitments to physical activity and healthy lifestyles after the Get Active community challenge is over. To all those sound role models, congratulations on your efforts and the example you set.

Mr. Speaker, each year in Canada, more than two-thirds of deaths result from four groups of chronic diseases: cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and respiratory illnesses. These chronic diseases share common preventable risk factors including physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and tobacco use.

The Get Active NWT campaign is one of a number of efforts that the Government of the Northwest Territories is supporting to promote all residents to live healthier lifestyles. If we can convince even a few more people to be physically active, the cost savings for our health care system are huge and the lifestyle improvements immeasurable.

I would like to thank all the Members of the Legislative Assembly for helping to set an example through your participation in this year’s challenge and I encourage you all to continue promoting Get Active and other healthy lifestyle choices. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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