Actively Connecting Selected Policy Initiatives Focused on Well Being of Canadians

"Convergence and Collaboration (page 15-16 National Recreation Framework)

 In recent years, a number of complementary strategies and frameworks have been developed, which address interrelated public policy at national, provincial and local levels. These include:

Active Canada 20/20: A Physical Activity Strategy and Change Agenda for Canada (2012) provides a vision and a change agenda to describe steps that will increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour, thereby reducing health risks and achieving the many benefits of a society that is active and healthy. Recreation is identified as an important player in pursuing this agenda.26

The Canadian Sport Policy (CSP, 2012) sets a direction for the period 2012-2022 for all governments, institutions and organizations committed to realizing the positive impacts of sport on individuals, communities and society. F/P/T Ministers responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation endorsed the policy in June 2012. CSP sets out 5 broad objectives, including “Recreational Sport: Canadians have the opportunity to participate in sport for fun, health, social interaction and relaxation”. Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of sport through programs delivered primarily by clubs, schools and local recreation departments. Participants develop sport-specific skills with an emphasis on fun, a positive attitude, healthy human development and remaining active for life.27

Connecting Canadians with Nature. An Investment in the Well-Being of our Citizens was developed by the Canadian Parks Council on behalf of the F/P/T Ministers Responsible for Parks. The report synthesizes the growing body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of connecting with the natural world. Canada’s park leaders endorsed the paper in March 2014 and committed to working with various sectors to support experiences in nature that enhance Canadians’ collective health, prosperity, growth and productivity. This initiative positions park agencies to adapt to changing societal circumstances and enable increased opportunities for recreational experiences in nature.28

The Declaration on Prevention and Promotion, which was adopted by Canada’s F/P/T Ministers of Health and of Health Promotion/Healthy Living in 2010, confirms that health and wellbeing is determined by “the physical and social conditions that people experience daily in the places where they live, learn, work and play”. The declaration calls upon a wide range of people and organizations in communities and across society to help create the conditions that reduce risks for poor health and support individuals in adopting healthy lifestyles.29

Healthy Aging in Canada: A New Vision, A Vital Investment a policy brief adopted by the F/P/T
Committee of Officials Responsible for Seniors in 2006, specifically identifies recreation as critical to addressing priority areas in healthy aging such as social connectedness, physical activity and age-friendly communities. Canada has been a leader in developing Age-Friendly Communities in communities and cities of all sizes, and particularly in rural areas.31

IndigenACTION32 (2010) aims to foster partnerships that will help ensure Indigenous peoples in Canada have every opportunity to enhance their lives and their communities through recreation, sport, community fitness, and wellness. IndigenACTION, which was adopted by the Chief ’s Assembly, is complementary to the Framework for Recreation in Canada described in this paper. There is clear alignment in terms of vision and direction; therefore, collaboration and convergence with this strategy is in order.

While recreation is unique, the Framework described in this document aligns well with all of these strategies. The fields of physical activity, sport, recreation, parks, the environment and health all share a common mandate to enhance the wellbeing of individuals, communities and the environment. Thus, there is a clear need to coordinate these strategies and frameworks, and to collaborate on specific actions and initiatives.

Strategies proposed by the parks, physical activity, sport and health sectors have historically involved the recreation sector. For example, recreation is a key delivery agent for sport and provides a variety of supports to local sports organizations. These include access to facilities, early skill development and exposure programs, ongoing sport play, coordination and communication, enhanced coaching capacity, allocation policies and subsidies, joint use agreements, sport hosting and sport tourism.
Similarly, the promotion of physical activity is a key priority for recreation. This includes the provision of physical activity programs for all age groups, ranging from active play for preschool children, to teen and adult fitness classes, to engaging older adults in ongoing activity. Many communities have worked with partners in public health, physical activity, sport and education to develop comprehensive community plans for active living. These plans include awareness campaigns, program opportunities and events, initiatives aimed specifically at inactive and vulnerable populations, and the development of supportive indoor and outdoor environments.


Our challenge and opportunity is to link these unique yet complementary efforts in ways that strengthen each sector while leveraging resources, and facilitating outcomes that meet common mandates and goals. This requires collaborative action and implementation, ongoing communication, knowledge sharing, common measurements, the sharing of resources, and joint efforts in service improvement."

As recent as today (Jan 31, 2016) Physical Literacy is preparing their National Strategy.

It is extremely encouraging to see all of these national level policy direction documents. In my humble opinion the "convergence and collaboration" aspect must be treated with the highest level of attention to gain all the positive aspects mentioned above.

Without sincere effort "convergence and collaboration" will be one of the hills that all of these initiatives will potentially die on. Provincial governments will focus on their own policy initiatives, the Federal government will only connect their favoured dots, Foundations and Private Sector funders will support their latest hot button priorities.

Moving all of these initiatives forward will require a significant amount of money! How much has been allocated? What are the outcomes that are being whispered? Are those joint outcomes not worthy of a  substantial funding commitment? 

It is much more comfortable to jump to the front line action steps but key individuals must dedicate significant time to the macro steps! Infrequent conference calls won't cut it.

Huge effort went into preparing all the above policy initiatives; people entered into all these processes with the highest of expectations.........now is when the word accountability must be put on the table.

Please don't use the excuse "that was then and this is now" - find a solution not an excuse.