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
|
Indicators
|
Grades
|
Quick Stats
|
Recommendations for Action
|
|
Federal Government Strategies
|
C+
|
• There is no “stand-alone” strategy focused on physical activity, and this is indicative of low priority given to the issue.
|
• 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.
|
|
Provincial Government Strategies
|
B+
|
• Nine of 10 provinces have developed specific physical activity strategies; the other province included a specified physical activity strategic area in its “Wellness Strategy.”
|
|
Federal Government Investment
|
F
|
• Spending at the federal level in real dollars per capita is half the amount that it was in 1986.
|
• Dramatic increases in federal spending are required.
|
|
Provincial Government Investment
|
C-
|
• 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.
|
• 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.
|
|
Industry, Philanthropic and Research Investments
|
C
|
• Funding has dropped in many sectors; a reality likely explained in part by the economic downturn.
|
• 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.
|