Making Ontario the Healthiest Province

Why should we care about making Ontario the healthiest province? Here's one reason, for the first time, it is a possibility that the generation after us may have a lower life expectancy than us. Another reason, Ontario likes to be the best at everything.

Three panellists presented Ontario based initiatives to inspire and spur dialogue at the session, "Making Ontario the Healthiest Province":

•  Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario. Hence the need for a Comprehensive Tobacco Control program. Heather Manson outlined the program as an example of a complex issue that needed a complex solution to enhance community mobilization. Read the report, Evidence to Guide Action.

•  A recent study found that 70 per cent of parents with children in primary school identified physical and health education as very important. For the first time ever, children were included in the review of the revised Health and Physical Education Curriculum and they also identified health as very important. James Mandigo spoke of the new curriculum which aims at developing physical and health literacy by developing comprehension, capacity and commitment to lead healthy active lives and to champion healthy, active living. He also identified resources developed by Ophea to help educators implement the new curriculum. Click here to access them.

•  Poor mental health is both a cause and a consequence of experiencing social, economic and environmental inequities. Michelle Gold spoke of mental health promotion and reminded participants that, “There is no health without mental health” (World Health Organization). Gold pointed participants to Vic Health, a leader in mental health promotion. Read their report Evidence Based Mental Health Promotion Resource.

We’re making progress, but there is room for improvement. Panellists championed strong leadership, a whole of government approach and public engagement to move us closer to the vision of a healthier Ontario.