The federal government is putting another $6 million toward ParticipACTION as it looks to get more Canadians moving amid persistently high levels of physical inactivity among adults and children.

Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden and Maggie Chi, parliamentary secretary to the health minister, announced the funding Wednesday on behalf of Health Minister Marjorie Michel.

The money will provide continued support for ParticipACTION, the national non-profit organization that promotes physical activity, including through its Let’s Get Moving initiative and Community Challenge.

Ottawa says the programs are intended to make physical activity more accessible by creating opportunities for Canadians to get active in their communities, workplaces and schools.

“Movement is medicine for our bodies and our minds, but far too many Canadians still face barriers to getting active,” van Koeverden said in a statement.

“That has to change. We are working with ParticipACTION to level the playing field, break down those barriers, and make it easier for Canadians of all ages to move more, feel better and live healthier lives.”

The announcement comes as fewer than half of Canadian adults are meeting national physical activity recommendations.

According to figures cited by the federal government, 46.2 per cent of adults meet physical activity recommendations, while the proportion falls to 36.8 per cent among children and youth.

Ottawa argues increasing physical activity can improve mental health and overall well-being while reducing the risk of chronic disease.

ParticipACTION has been promoting physical activity in Canada since 1971. The organization’s Let’s Get Moving initiative combines public education and research with community-based programs aimed at encouraging Canadians to incorporate more movement into their daily lives.

Last year, 1,511 organizations hosted events through ParticipACTION’s Community Challenge, reaching more than 846,000 participants, according to the government.

Wednesday’s funding builds on tens of millions of dollars Ottawa has already directed toward the organization. Between 2018 and 2026, the Public Health Agency of Canada invested $43 million in Let’s Get Moving.

The government is framing the latest $6-million commitment as part of its broader “Build Canada Strong through Sport” agenda, which it says is intended to expand opportunities for Canadians to participate in sport and physical activity while strengthening community connections.

“This investment adds to our broader commitment to Build Canada Strong through Sport, giving more Canadians opportunities to participate, connect with their communities and stay active,” van Koeverden said.