By: Hannah Martin, staff writer

Elections will soon be coming, and in the coming months, we will select the next premier of Ontario. Everyone watches, and listens to see and to hear who promises what for our beautiful province. One candidate, Dalton McGuinty of the Liberal party, has found an interesting solution to one of the most pressing problems of today’s youth, obesity.

Part of his plan is to ban junk food sales from schools. Of course, this brave plan would not stop kids from eating the junk food they brought from home but he hopes that by limiting the access to junk food, it will promote healthier nutrition amongst children. On the other hand, the banning of junk food may be a little extreme and it may just encourage kids to rush to the local convenience store to stock up. One parent said that imposing a rule like that in schools isn’t worth the risk of children getting hurt en route in their attempts to get to these convenience stores. However, another parent supports the junk food ban, but says that this rule is only one part of what should be a more comprehensive healthy living program for all families. These are very conflicting views that make for interesting debate.

The other part of McGuinty’s plan is to institute 20 minutes of physical education per day in schools. Because most children are so inactive at home, what with computers, television and telephones, Mr. McGuinty believes school is the best way to provide physical activity. Right now most children only get 2 or 3 periods of physical education each week, consisting of 30-45 minutes per period. One of HMC’s gym teachers, Mrs. Colman, is fully supportive of McGuinty’s obesity plan all the way. She believes physical activity will help you lead a healthy life style and that improved fitness will ultimately help you in school. She also wishes it was mandatory for teens from grade 9-12 to take gym.

The polls for this election are continuing to go up and down, so no one is quite sure what the outcome may be. One thing is certain; Dalton McGuinty intends to make some changes if elected. Good or bad changes? You decide.