January 2010 - Our Voice in Action

Reports To and From The Ministries

OPHA makes 2010 Prebudget Submissions recommendations to the Ontario Minister of Finance

Again this year, OPHA has provided the Minister of Finance with recommendations on the investments required to improve the health of Ontarians. This year our recommendations were based upon a November 2009 report by the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Studies (ICES) entitled What Does it Take to Make a Healthy Province?[1] which calls for significant investment in public health. Please read our submission for details.

Our Voice has been heard! Two key Ministry of Education policy documents to which OPHA contributed were just released

The School Food and Beverage Policy [PDF] was released January 15, 2010. This policy will cover all foods sold in schools. The Nutrition Resource Centre has been working with the Ministry of Education on the policy over the past several months. This policy is a first step towards a more comprehensive approach for influencing the foods to which students have access in schools.

OPHA joined the Ontario Society for Nutrition Professionals in Public Health (OSNPPH) in issuing a press release regarding the policy.

The revised Health and Physical Education Curriculum Grade 1 – 8 [PDF], released on January 18, 2010 is a key policy document that will shape the knowledge and skills of Ontario students in the years to come. Quoting our longstanding partner, the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (Ophea), “the revised curriculum is the most significant health promotion initiative the province has ever seen and if fully implemented will positively impact the health and learning outcomes for Ontario’s children and youth and ensure success for all students.” The Ophea website has an excellent article describing the exciting features of the curriculum.

Several of OPHA’s Constituent Societies have actively influenced the curriculum. OPHA has coordinated a response to the draft documents and has been represented at several Ministry of Education working tables by Board member Gloria Morris.

 

If you are a Member of OPHA and would like to get more directly involved in working on one of the many issues to which OPHA lends its voice, log into our Members' Lounge and click on the Get Involved link to read about the many ways you can get involved in issues of concern to you.

 

 

References

[1] Manuel, DG, Creatore, MI, Rosella Lc, Henry, DA. What does it take to make a healthy province? A benchmark study of jurisdictions in Canada and around the world with the highest level of health and the best health behaviours. ICES Investigative Report. Toronto: Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; 2009.