moved that Bill S-211, An Act to establish a national day to promote health and fitness for all Canadians, be read the first time.

Mr. Speaker, in a moment that I think will bring all members of the House together, it is a great honour to give first reading to Bill S-211.

Bill S-211 promises to create a national health and fitness day. The bill received unanimous support in the Senate last week, and it promises to help Canadians achieve higher levels of healthy physical activity, reversing trends of depression, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mounting health care costs. Having worked on this initiative for years, I am pleased to report that over 150 cities have already proclaimed National Health and Fitness Day.

I would like to thank the seconder, the member for Burlington; Senator Nancy Greene Raine, who brought this bill through the Senate; members all around the House who support it, including the members for Sackville—Eastern Shore, Etobicoke North, and Saanich—Gulf Islands; the Minister of Health; and the Minister of State for Sport; and the incredible volunteer parliamentary fitness coaches, Pierre Lafontaine and Phil Marsh. Together, we will make Canada the fittest nation on Earth.

(Motion agreed to and bill read the first time)

John Weston

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