Progress on Implementation of the Framework for Recreation in Canada
Since the endorsement by Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Ministers and by the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) in February 2015, the Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015: Pathways to Wellbeing is being implemented at a national, regional and community level.
CPRA and the Interprovincial Sports and Recreation Council (ISRC) co-chair a Framework Implementation and Monitoring Working Group (IMWG). The IMWG members include representatives from CPRA and ISRC as well as academics, aboriginal leaders, young professionals and municipal volunteers.
The IMWG has been providing national leadership on Framework Implementation, including:
- Tracking and monitoring Framework awareness and utilization via a national survey;
- Building implementation audit tools for municipalities;
- Integrating the Framework into the academic community;
- Seeking endorsement of the Framework from key national organizations;
- Preparing national communication tools to support implementation; and
- Connecting with aboriginal leaders to support implementation.
In addition, the ‘Framework for Recreation in Canada Implementation Portal’ was recently launched (lin.ca/national-recreation-framework). This portal provides the sector with Framework history, implementation tools and templates, national data collections on the five Framework goals and ongoing implementation updates.
CPRA Board and Members have also been focused on implementation of the Framework including the development of a new business plan rooted in the Framework. And, preparing for the launch of a new CPRA website and communication collateral centred on the Framework.
In provinces and territories across Canada, government (except Quebec) and the sector are partnering to implement the Framework in a manner that works for the region. This includes cross ministry and sector approaches to identify jurisdictional priorities for implementation which have resulted in the development of new partnerships and alignment of programs to the Framework for Recreation in Canada.
Across communities, we see tremendous uptake on the Framework. This includes municipal master plans that are built around the Framework goals, Framework endorsements by municipal leaders and new and emerging programs and processes based on the Framework. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) also recently formerly endorsed the Framework.
In June, an update on Framework implementation was provided to Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation. This update showcased three success stories on how the Framework is being used by practitioners, provincial/territorial associations and academics to initiate planning, partnerships and actions in recreation. A similar update will be provided to these decision makers in July 2017.
To build on this great momentum, a Framework for Recreation in Canada – National Summit is being planned for spring of 2018. This event will focus on implementation and the sharing of best practices, tools, research and ideas.
We look forward to learning about ongoing and new implementation efforts throughout Canada. Please be sure to share your best practices and tools on the Framework Implementation Hub
Sincerely,
Cathy Jo Noble Nancy Porter
Co-Chair of IMWG Co-Chair of IMWG
