Government of Canada Invests $550k in National Initiative to Promote Healthy Active Living Through Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines

Ottawa, ON – Thursday, October, 9 2025 – The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) has received over $550,000 in funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) through the Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund to implement the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines Impact Project.

This national initiative is designed to help people of all ages living in Canada lead healthier, more active lives by increasing awareness and adoption of Canada’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines—evidence-based recommendations that encourage more physical activity, less sedentary behaviour and improved sleep habits. The project will engage health professionals across Canada to increase awareness and impact of the Guidelines, and promote healthy active lifestyles for everyone in Canada.

“This investment marks an exciting step forward for public health in Canada. The 24-Hour Movement Guidelines offer a simple yet powerful framework for healthier living, and with the support from the Public Health Agency of Canada, CSEP can help more Canadians move better, sleep better, and live better every single day.”

– Dr. Kristi Adamo, Chair, CSEP Board of Directors

The project will deliver a range of activities aimed at embedding the Guideline’s principles into everyday life. Learning resources will be developed for health professionals to provide them with practical, evidence-based tools for promoting healthy movement behaviours. The Guidelines and all related materials will be translated into ten of the most frequently spoken languages in Canada. This commitment to linguistic inclusivity will make it easier for communities across the country to benefit from the recommendations.

Through collaboration with professional associations and training organizations, CSEP will work toward integrating the Guidelines into curricula, certification programs, and ongoing professional development materials. This will help ensure that those working in key sectors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote the evidence-based movement recommendations.

A key highlight of the project will involve convening an international symposium on healthy behaviours during pregnancy and childhood, scheduled to take place at the 2025 CSEP Annual Scientific Conference in London, Ontario on October 14-15, 2025. This event will provide a platform for sharing research, best practices, and innovative approaches from experts around the world.

The project will track and report increased public awareness and understanding of the Guidelines, measurable incorporation of the recommendations into institutional policies and programs, and improved attitudes toward physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep among people in Canada.

“Together, we’re helping Canadians lead healthier, more active lives by equipping health professionals with evidence-based resources and increasing awareness of the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. This way, we empower people of all ages, in all communities, to make choices that support better physical and mental health—by moving more, sitting less and getting enough sleep.”

The Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health

“Far too few people know how much movement is recommended for overall health. By raising awareness of the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, we’re helping people in Canada make informed decisions so they can live healthier lives. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about these guidelines and discover how they can improve their well-being.”

The Honourable Adam van Koeverden
Secretary of State (Sport)

For more information on Canada’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, visit www.csepguidelines.ca.

About the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines

Developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology in collaboration with partners and supported by the Government of Canada, the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep across an entire day. These recommendations are tailored for different life stages, from early childhood through older adulthood, and emphasize the health benefits of balancing movement, rest, and recovery to achieve optimal well-being.

About the Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund

The Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund (HCCF) is a program managed by the Public Health Agency of Canada that supports projects promoting healthy living and the prevention of chronic disease. Funding is directed toward initiatives that help Canadians adopt healthier lifestyles by increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, supporting tobacco cessation, and enhancing mental health and wellness.

About the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) is Canada’s recognized leader in translating advances in exercise science into practical health and fitness applications. The organization develops national physical activity guidelines, offers professional certification programs, and produces educational resources for health and fitness professionals, researchers, and the general public. Through its work, CSEP aims to enhance the health and quality of life of Canadians by promoting the science and benefits of physical activity.