The Healthy Kids Panel was formed as part of the government’s goal of keeping Ontario healthy, a priority of Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care. This expert Panel has 17 members, and will advise the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care on reducing childhood obesity by 20 per cent over five years.

The Healthy Kids Panel is led by two co-chairs, Alex Munter, CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and Kelly Murumets of ParticipACTION, the national voice of physical activity and sport participation in Canada.

The Panel is made up of 18 independent experts who are recognized leaders in their fields, including:

• academia and research
• health care and public health
• physical activity
• community-based organizations
• media for parents and consumers
• advertising and social marketing
• education
• food retail and manufacturing
• consumer products
• health promotion
• human development
• Aboriginal communities

Access the full list of Panel members and their biographies here.

Both Co-chairs are experts in their field with a broad understanding of the childhood obesity issue. They are demonstrated leaders and strong facilitators who have experience building consensus among a range of stakeholders.

Access the Co-chair bios here.

Panel members were chosen for their independent expertise and leadership in diverse fields. As a whole, the panel brings together knowledge of the factors that influence obesity, demonstrated commitment to address childhood obesity, and leadership in different sectors on practical solutions and implementation.

Access the full list of Panel members and their biographies here.

The Panel will meet a number of times over an eight month period.

The scope of the Panel’s work includes:

• Identification of the specific factors that affect childhood obesity rates in Ontario; and,
• Identification and prioritization of the multi-sectoral interventions that could address childhood obesity in Ontario.  Recommended interventions must consider:
• Evidence-based solutions,
• Fiscal sustainability, and
• Viability for implementation.

The Panel will report back to the Minister with its recommendations for action by late Fall, 2012.

Yes, please visit our submissions page for more information.