A recommendation from this 2007 report by Dr. K. Kellie Leitch MP, MD, MBA, FRCS(C) led to the genesis of The Sandbox Project.
"Canada is among the most prosperous nations in the world. We boast a universally accessible health care system, and a large number of generous social programs, many of which were conceived to help children and youth stay healthy.
Yet, Canada's standing when it comes to the health and wellness of children and youth is remarkably poor. Among 29 OECD nations:
- Canada ranks 22nd when it comes to preventable childhood injuries and deaths;
- Canada ranks 27th in childhood obesity; and;
- Canada ranks 21st in child well-being, including mental health.
Overall, Canada only ranked 12th out of 21 wealthy countries in the United Nations' rankings of child well-being. We can, and we must, do better. That starts with setting bold, visionary goals. Canada has the potential and the ability to be the number one place in the world for a child to live and grow up, from a health perspective. The recommendations and suggestions that follow are designed to help Canada achieve this goal."
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