Campaign launched to get students at least one hour of physical activity a day

TORONTO – A coalition of more than 60 organizations launched a nationwide campaign today to ensure students get at least one hour of physical activity a day at school.

The “Active at School,” campaign is spearheaded by Canadian Tire and supported by the federal government.

Partner organizations include the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose — who attended the launch at Toronto’s Ryerson University — says youth inactivity is a growing problem.

She says one-third of Canadian children are obese and only 12 per cent meet Health Canada guidelines for physical activity.

Campaign organizers say the coalition will spend the next three months speaking with provincial governments across the country on the details of implementation.