Quebec investing $11 million to improve access to activities for people who are physically inactive

Quebec is investing $11 million in physical activity programs for those who are typically inactive. (pexels)

Given that nearly half of Quebec’s population is not physically active enough—especially among seniors—the Quebec government is investing $11 million over two years to make physical activity more accessible.

Kariane Bourassa, the minister responsible for Sport, Recreation, and the Outdoors, made the announcement on Tuesday.

The funding will be used, in particular, to expand services in places frequented by people who are inactive or not very active, such as private senior living facilities, Indigenous communities, and youth centres.

Quebec is launching a call for projects starting July 15 for community organizations. These organizations could receive up to $100,000 to bring their ideas to life. Organizations eligible for the program include community recreation centres supported by the Financial Assistance Program for Community Recreation Centres, as well as regional authorities responsible for recreation for people with disabilities.

“There are two components,” Bourassa said. “The first component will be used, in particular, to enhance initiatives that are already in place but may be less well known. This means promoting them, providing training for staff, and improving programming. And there is a second component aimed at directly reaching out to people who are not very active in their communities.

“When we’re active, we reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and even cancer—and it also benefits mental health, leading to less depression and anxiety.”

She specifies that the initiatives will target women, young girls, seniors, low-income individuals, and those with lower levels of education.

“The goal is to help Quebecers adopt healthier lifestyles, with the aim of reducing the number of preventable diseases,” said Bourassa.

Seniors inactive, but also young people

Data from the Quebec Statistics Institute for 2020–2021 show that 38 per cent of people aged 65 and older are sedentary and 21 per cent are physically inactive.

“This means that there are many seniors who do not engage in physical activity, and unfortunately, we’re seeing similar situations among young people as well,” the minister said.

According to 2022–2023 data from the Quebec Public Health Institute, approximately 30 per cent of high school students meet the recommended level of physical activity. The recommendation for 12- to 17-year-olds is to engage in at least 60 minutes per day of moderate- or vigorous-intensity physical activity.

The funding announced on Tuesday stems from the Ministry of Health’s 2026–2031 Government Action Plan for the National Health Prevention Strategy.

“All the ministries have come together and looked at how we could develop a national health prevention strategy. For example, the Ministry of Agriculture will work on measures to promote healthy eating habits. The Ministry of Higher Education will address education on healthy sexual habits. There are plenty of examples like that, and for the first time, my ministry will have funding specifically allocated for prevention efforts,” said Bourassa.

In addition, the Fédération de l’âge d’or du Québec (FADOQ) will deploy community outreach workers to encourage people aged 50 and older to discover active leisure activities. The FADOQ’s initiative will also fund the purchase of equipment and the facilitation of activities, always with the goal of introducing its members to various physical activities.

“By placing a community outreach worker in every region of Quebec, who will directly engage with people aged 50 and older, we will be able to expand our reach, focus more on prevention, and spark interest in adapted active leisure activities,” said FADOQ president Yves Bouchard.

This is the second call for projects under the Financial Assistance Program for Community Initiatives (PAFIMC).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 14, 2026.

The Canadian Press’s health coverage is supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for this journalistic content.