On the surface, this idea seems to be useful; however, why the need to legislate? In an interview on CP24 MPP France Gelinas admitted that this is just the first step in the "war on obesity". Next she hopes that "sin" taxes will be introduced on high calorie items and the health insurance rates will be increased for those who are overweight. Just another hand in the publics purse????
If the government really wants to help people with their weight issues, they will lower or cut taxes on all whole grains, fruits, vegetables, chicken and fish in the grocery stores. Throughout history societies have gone through weight changes...remember the Ruben period? The pendulum will begin to swing the other way when parents, insurance companies and governments allow children to play again. Currently in Ontario, children are not permitted to run on the playgrounds at school, nor are they permitted to slide on ice, slide down hills, play tag...etc etc etc. People have become so afraid of children getting hurt, that they have essentially wiped out their ability to get any physical exercise at recess. Extracurricular activities have virtually been wiped out by litigious parents, causing the insurance rates to go through the roof and convince teachers they're not worth the personal risk. The sad result is that there is an epidemic of diabetes and heart disease beginning in children as young as nine. This is the first generation of children that are expected to die at a younger age than their parents. Because, over protective parents and insurance companies have created a culture of fear and "safety", our kids can't move. It is not helpful for insurance companies and people like MPP Gelinas to create discrimination, resentment and anger toward the overweight in Canada. Education NOT Legislation!!!!!