Province to Launch Mi'kmaw Physical Activity Leadership Program in Membertou
Published by the Premier's Office
Friday, February 8, 2012
Five Mi'kmaw communities are adopting physical activity as part of their daily routine through a new partnership with the province. Premier Darrell Dexter joined Membertou Chief Terrance Paul and Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson at an outdoor skating party in Membertou to sign a memorandum of understanding for a physical activity leadership program.
Quotes
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We all know the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle and it is important that all communities are supported. A healthier Nova Scotia is a government-wide priority and I want to acknowledge Chief Paul and other aboriginal leaders for showing the leadership and foresight to help make life better for children and their families.
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Premier Darrell Dexter
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We are looking forward to expanding the healthy lifestyle program to all 13 aboriginal communities.
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Premier Darrell Dexter
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We want to have long, healthy and active lives, but today there are too many people who are not physically active and it's leading to health issues such as type 2 diabetes. I believe this agreement will help us reverse that trend and help make Membertou an even better place to live.
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Membertou Chief Terrance Paul
Quick Facts
- The new partnership mirrors the Municipal Physical Activity Leadership Program. Expanding the program to First Nation communities and all municipalities is part of Thrive! A plan for a healthier Nova Scotia. It addresses preventable chronic disease with physical activity and healthy eating.
- Annapolis Valley/Glooscap, Eskasoni, Millbrook and Paqtnkek will start the program during 2013-14. The cost-shared agreements are each for $125,000 in provincial funding and $100,000 from the community over five years.
- Eligible Mi'kmaw communities will hire full-time staff to develop and implement five-year physical activity plans.
- Thrive! has 34 actions to create supportive environments for healthy eating and physical activity.
Learn More
Media Contact
- Jennifer Stewart
- Premier's Office
- Cell: 902-497-7198
- E-mail: stewarjl@gov.ns.ca
- Danielle Hartley
- Membertou Development Corporation and Membertou Community
- Cell: 902-578-0378
- E-mail: daniellehartley@membertou.ca
