TORONTO — The federal government is putting new money behind physical activity programs as Canada continues to face high levels of inactivity among adults and young people.

The Government of Canada announced $6 million in continued funding for ParticipACTION, supporting programs designed to make physical activity easier and more accessible for Canadians of all ages. The announcement was made August 25 by Parliamentary Secretary Maggie Chi and Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden.

According to the federal government, only 46.2% of Canadian adults and 36.8% of children and youth meet recommended physical activity levels. Officials say increasing activity can help prevent chronic diseases while improving overall health and well-being.

The funding will support ParticipACTION's Let's Get Moving initiative, which combines public education, research and community-based physical activity programs. Since 2018, the federal government says it has invested $43 million in the initiative.

Last year, 1,511 organizations hosted Community Challenge events through the initiative, reaching more than 846,000 participants across Canada.

The latest investment puts physical activity at the centre of a broader Canadian public-health effort to prevent chronic illness and encourage healthier lifestyles.