Why Fitness Is Freedom — And Why It’s Time to Act
On June 7, leaders from across the health, fitness, and wellness sectors will gather for the National Health & Fitness Institute Summit, hosted by the Canadian Health & Fitness Institute (CHFI) — and I’m proud to be part of it, inspired by the founder of CHFI, John Weston. This now annual event is more than just a meeting of minds; it’s a call to action for anyone who believes in a healthier, more vibrant Canada.
CHFI’s mission is bold: to make Canada the fittest nation on earth by 2030. That goal is aligned with the vision for my business, SierraSil®, which is to help people be healthier and more active naturally. I’m honoured to part of the team organizing the Summit and supporting it financially, alongside generous partners like CanPrev®, Nature’s Emporium®, and a private foundation. This mission is also personal. I’ve seen firsthand how fitness — or the lack of it — can shape the quality of our lives, especially as we age. Let me explain with a couple of stories.
A Winter Morning and a Silent Warning
One grey winter morning in Vancouver, I noticed an older man carefully navigating a slushy sidewalk. What caught my eye wasn’t just the precarious footing — it was his footwear. He wore slip-on loafers, completely unsuitable for the wet, slippery conditions. Why not proper winter shoes? Why no laces? It struck me — maybe he couldn't tie shoelaces anymore. Whether due to arthritis, or flexibility issues in his body or fingers, it was a small but heartbreaking sign of physical decline. And that small detail had serious implications: poor footwear increases the risk of slipping, tripping, and potentially suffering a life-altering injury like a broken hip. In that moment, I saw how something as simple as fitness and flexibility could mean the difference between independence and vulnerability.
The Call from the Golf Course
Another moment I’ll never forget happened on a beautiful summer weekend. I was on the golf course, about to putt for a rare par on a difficult hole, when my phone rang. It was my wife Lesley. Both of my parents had fallen at home that was nearby. They couldn’t get up, and I needed to help them immediately.
Now, my parents were athletes in their youth — strong, agile, and capable. But over time, they stopped prioritizing their health and mobility. That day, I saw the consequences of neglecting fitness over the years. My parents couldn't get up from the floor by themselves. It also fueled something deeper: a commitment to spread the message that maintaining physical fitness isn't just about looking good — it’s about being able to live well, lower or risk of being a burden and increase our ability to take care of those we love.
Why This Summit, Why This Mission
Canada is facing a health crisis — and it’s not just about healthcare costs or hospital wait times. It’s about our ability to live full, independent lives well into our later years. It’s about parents and grandparents being able to enjoy getting outside and to play with their grandkids. About fewer falls, faster recoveries, and longer lives lived on our own terms, often called "health span" now.
That’s why I support CHFI’s vision. That’s why I’m part of the team bringing this summit to life and excellent and passionate health leaders and educators are volunteering their time to share insights and ideas. And that’s why I’m putting my resources behind it — because I believe this mission matters deeply. And I know I’m not alone. On June 7, let’s come together to build a healthier Canada — one step, one choice, one story at a time.
Learn more and register at www.chfi.com