WHEREAS the Ministry of Education does not directly provide funding to school districts for playground equipment; AND WHEREAS there have been a number of studies indicating that many students are obese and physically unfit; AND WHEREAS many schools have changed the food and beverages being offered in school cafeterias to help combat the situation: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to provide specific funding for playground equipment to school districts aimed at improving the overall health and well-being of our students.
Ministry of Education The Ministry of Education Ministry recognizes that health-promoting actions have educational benefits. Good health narrows the opportunity gap and has positive effects on personal, social and educational achievements. Investing in physical activity equipment will enhance the capacity of elementary schools to improve student health through enhanced physical activity. Children who have healthy weights and who lead physically active lives are less likely to be overweight adults reducing the development of preventable chronic diseases such as type two diabetes, heart disease, joint replacement and some cancers. Reducing preventable illness leads to reduced health care costs. ActNow BC is central to accomplishing the Provinces goal to lead the way in North America in healthy living and physical fitness. ActNow BC is a program to improve the health of every British Columbian. As part of ActNow BC, we have developed a comprehensive plan for improving student health that focuses on three priority areas: increased physical activity through Action Schools!BC, clear physical education standards and provided 1.3 million for public schools to purchase new physical activity equipment; increased healthy eating through new school food sales guidelines; and reduced tobacco use by helping students make responsible healthy choices. We know that students are best poised for success when they are physically and emotionally healthy. As part of an approved new Ministry capital project new school and addition, school boards may also use site development and equipment allowance funding from the approved project budget for school playgrounds. School boards may also use Annual Facility Grant funding to upgrade playgrounds at existing schools. As well, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General provides Parent Advisory Councils PACs an annual direct access grant that may be used towards eligible capital projects, such as a school playground. PACs can also use funding provided from the bingo affiliation grant program or licensed gaming events to fund school playgrounds.