
Policy
Government Strategies and Investment: Historical Overview
It is important to note that strategies and investments have always been assessed collectively in past Report Cards. Also, federal and provincial/territorial levels of government have been assessed both separately (2005, 2009) and collectively (2007-2008). To provide a more in-depth look at Government Policy and Investment, we have subdivided the indicators again: 1) Federal Government Strategies, 2) Provincial/Territorial Government Strategies, 3) Federal Government Investment, and 4) Provincial/Territorial Government Investment (Figure 14).

Figure 14: The transitions over time in how government strategies and investments have been assessed in the Report Card.

Reference citations for all information below can be found in the complete Long-Form Report Card
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Indicators
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Grades
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Quick Stats
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Recommendations for Action
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Federal Government Strategies
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C+
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• There is no “stand-alone” strategy focused on physical activity, and this is indicative of low priority given to the issue.
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• A comprehensive national physical activity strategy and federal-provincial-territorial commitments for supportive policies are required at multiple levels to remove or reduce the social, organizational and environmental barriers to physical activity.
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Provincial Government Strategies
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B+
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• Nine of 10 provinces have developed specific physical activity strategies; the other province included a specified physical activity strategic area in its “Wellness Strategy.”
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Federal Government Investment
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F
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• Spending at the federal level in real dollars per capita is half the amount that it was in 1986.
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• Dramatic increases in federal spending are required.
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Provincial Government Investment
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C-
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• Spending in provinces and territories has been steadily increasing over time and is double what it was in the 1980s, in at least the 5 provinces where data could be obtained.
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• Despite some increases over time, further resources are still required at the provincial/territorial level. The trend of increasing investment needs to continue to ensure progress is not stalled.
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Industry, Philanthropic and Research Investments
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C
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• Funding has dropped in many sectors; a reality likely explained in part by the economic downturn.
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• Industry and philanthropy groups should maintain healthy active living as a priority area for funding as a fundamental contribution to healthy individuals, families, communities and overall society.
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