re: #1 researchok

The why really is the $64,000 question. Culturally, we aren’t that different.

Here, PE classes have been on the decline in schools. Is the same true in Canada?

Yes generally they are but I couldn’t say what the relative comparison is. When I was in elementary school we had PE every day. Now my nephew who is in the same school has it three times a week. In my high school PE you had to take PE up until grade 11. Now I think it’s only mandated until grade 9.

PE has been grouped in with other seemingly not as important subjects like art, music etc which have all seen a decline in support over the years.

There is some change or attempt to change attitudes since the growing trend in childhood obesity has been recognized. I’ve seen a few bring back more PE in school campaigns.
I actually just saw a nationally run commercial which is part of some sort of public service campaign talking about how kids should be getting at least an hour of physical activity each day. This campaign is based on a recent study on physical activity that was released.

Not sure who is doing this campaign but these sorts of things are not uncommon to see up here at all. I grew up with “ParticipACTION” commercials and tv spots which was a national gov’t sponsered program that started in the 1970’s. It was shut down in 2001 but was revived again a few years ago.