Policy

Reference citations for all information below can be found in the complete long- form Report Card

The latter half of 2008 began an economic downturn experienced like no other in more than 50 years. Few aspects of society were immune to these global changes and all aspects of our lives have faced some degree of uncertainty: governments, philanthropists and industry are intricately tied to these global shifts. Many have re-examined their priorities and seek to provide “stimulus support” to revitalize our economy and build a strong and sustainable society.

Movement in the right direction.

While the Report Card’s focal indicator assesses physical activity levels among children and youth and remains at an “F”, it is imperative to note the upward trend in meeting Canada’s recommended physical activity guidelines: 9% in 2007, 10% in 2008 and 13% in 2009. This positive direction cannot be underestimated and requires urgent and sustained attention in the current economic climate. As the economy dominates the agendas of policy-makers, media and Canadians, it is important to focus on the small but incremental positive changes in achieving a more physically active child and youth population. To this end, youth physical activity must be considered worthy of a “stimulus package” as well.

As noted throughout the 2009 Report Card, research highlights the positive links between academic achievement and physical activity: such reassurances must be stressed as we move forward in these challenging times. Strong, healthy children and youth have the potential to build a solid foundation upon which a healthy, functioning society is built and sustained. While gains have been made in physical activity levels, we also need to pay particular attention to the disparities evident in the field. For example, in assessing many of the indicators, children who have disabilities or are from low socio-economic status backgrounds are at a disadvantage. For many of these disadvantaged families, the economic downturn has made it increasingly difficult to access physical activity programs. Now, more than ever, we need to be strategic in working across levels of society to foster healthy bodies and minds in our nation’s young people. Cross-sectoral partnerships and alliances are crucial in that regard, and it is important to note that while many sectors of our economy are faltering, both education and health have been relatively stable with respect to job losses and funding, thus opening opportunities for physical activity to remain on these agendas and to be pursued more diligently.

Current Initiative Highlights and Considerations

Various elements of the 2009 Report Card have addressed policy concerns with respect to family and peers, school, community and the built environment. This section presents broader policy and strategic initiative developments occurring over the past year, and provides specific examples where action has occurred, and gaps to be addressed.

• Improvements have been made in government- and industry-supported social marketing campaigns.
• Federal Children’s Fitness Tax Credits have been adapted to meet the needs of lower-income families by making the credit fully refundable; provincial tax credit initiatives continue to benefit more families; however, a thorough evaluation of the uptake and effectiveness of such tax credit initiatives is required.
• The 2009 federal budget identified a new $500 million fund over two years, to renew and build sport and recreation facilities in communities. This was a first step toward addressing the estimated $1.5 billion infrastructure deficit and the projected $18 billion required to meet new demands in growing communities.
• During the 2008 election, there was consensus across all political parties that Canada’s target for annual federal government spending on sport and physical activity programs be equivalent to 1% of health spending (approximately $500 million each year); however, current federal spending for sport and physical activity programs falls well short of this realistic goal and is estimated at $200 million annually.
• There is an increased drive from various physical activity proponents for a national physical activity policy to ensure strong policy leadership in Canada.
• While there is a Minister of State for Sport, calls for a Cabinet Minister appointment and a national centre of physical activity expertise have not been realized.
• At the provincial and territorial level, a number of innovative initiatives are being implemented utilizing multi-setting strategies (i.e., this is where public education and outreach has been managed and where government and non-government partnerships to enhance physical activity play out; however, there is inconsistency in the evaluation of strategies, or the ability to access evaluative information).
• In August 2009, the Ministers Responsible for Sport and Physical Activity will be presented with a plan of action prepared by the Deputy Ministers in each province and territory to meet targets set for increasing the number of children and youth meeting physical activity guidelines.
• Bilateral federal and provincial funding announcements have been made, directed at Aboriginal population initiatives and the facilitation of Sport Canada’s Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability; however, specific implementation of these initiatives is unclear.
• Funding for research, as well as corporate and philanthropic investments in physical activity initiatives, have increased since the inception of the Report Card.

Recommendations for Action

• Maintain the momentum in policy work that has been directed at physical activity.
• Assert physical activity as a priority again through formal responses to the Standing Committee on Health Report and the report from the Advisor on Healthy Children and Youth, as well as follow-though on the commitment to 1% of healthcare spending.
• Continue to grow the priority of physical activity beyond the sport, recreation and health ministries. Increased effectiveness in linking to the ministries of education, environment, municipal services, etc., is critical if they are to more effectively work together regarding aspects of schools, community and the built environment that can both influence physical activity and provide benefits from increased physical activity.
• Effectively evaluate physical activity strategies and initiatives at the federal, provincial, territorial and municipal levels to better assess the impact of this work.
• Maintain ongoing outreach to enhance the engagement of the corporate and philanthropic sectors in the issue of physical activity is needed.

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