The award-winning ActNow BC program has helped encourage British Columbians to become healthier and more active. New legislation has put strict limits on smoking in public places and banned smoking in cars when children are present. Physical activity is now mandatory in public schools, and junk food has been taken out of schools and publicly-owned facilities. Challenges and Opportunities:
Health care already accounts for 44 per cent of the entire provincial budget now, and could grow to 70 per cent by 2017. As we look towards our future health care challenges, the growth of preventable chronic diseases due to lifestyle will put additional stress on our system as our population ages. One of the best ways to prevent chronic health issues later in life and reduce health care costs is to encourage people to follow a healthy, active lifestyle.
Discussion:
Knowing that healthy living is one of the best ways to reduce illness and conserve health care dollars, how can government encourage more British Columbians to be active, eat well, and reduce unhealthy activities such as smoking? Is it the role of government to take a proactive approach to encouraging people to lead healthier lifestyles? As we look to health care spending today, what is the right balance between prevention – which reduces costs in the future – and enhanced services for patients in our system today?
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All traffic fine revenue returned to cities annually
Provincial income tax eliminated for a quarter million low-income people
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Agreements providing social and economic opportunities for First Nations
B.C. Liberal Government signed modern treaties with six First Nations
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B.C.'s first new regional hospital in 30 years built in Abbotsford
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North America's most progressive climate action plan, praised by climatologists and economists
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