News Release

MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial government has released a report on promoting wellness. It stems from the stakeholder engagement process to develop the New Brunswick Family Plan.

“Wellness is extremely important to New Brunswickers of all ages, and it plays a significant role in making our province the best it can possibly be,” said Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Lisa Harris. “Improved wellness has wide-reaching and long-lasting effects on everything from physical and mental health to improved workforce productivity.”

The report is based on input received in early March at the Family Plan summit on promoting wellness. It recognizes that wellness encompasses more than health care, and that all partners must work together to address the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.

It is based on current initiatives, ongoing commitments and stakeholder feedback. It outlines goals and actions aimed at achieving sustainable improvements with respect to wellness.

Efforts to promote wellness will be undertaken in the following areas:

• Addressing barriers to healthy living.

• Encouraging New Brunswickers to eat healthy foods and foster healthy living habits.

• Motivating New Brunswickers to become physically active.

• Promoting tobacco- and smoke-free living.

• Making available information on programs and services.

The report is meant to complement the New Brunswick Family Plan.

“The Healthy Eating Physical Activity Coalition is pleased to see this report reflecting what we discussed during the wellness summit,” said coalition co-ordinator Andrew Holloway. “It is encouraging to see that the report acknowledges the positive momentum already underway and encourages further action related to reducing barriers, supporting healthy behaviours and the sharing of relevant information.”

The New Brunswick Family Plan focuses government action in seven priority areas: improving access to primary and acute care; promoting wellness; supporting people with addictions and mental health challenges; fostering healthy aging and support for seniors; advancing women’s equality; reducing poverty; and supporting people with disabilities.