Framework for Recreation in Canada
A guiding document for public recreation providers in Canada, updated to reflect Canada in 2024.
Renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada
Thank you to the more than 2,500 people from across Canada — representing every province and territory — who shared their voices during Phase 1 of the Framework for Recreation in Canada Renewal (September 2024 – July 2025). Your input confirmed what we know to be true: recreation is vital, but it must continue to evolve to meet today’s challenges.
We heard you clearly: the renewed Framework must be
- Practical and actionable
- Monitored through shared national measures
- A tool that strengthens multi-sector collaboration
- Grounded in equity, belonging, and accessibility
- Flexible and adaptable for the future
While a renewed Framework document will provide an essential foundation for the sector, much more is needed. It must be supported by a proactive, coordinated strategy to drive real change.
That is why we are preparing to launch Phase 2 of the Renewal process in October 2025. This next phase will take a Collective Impact approach, giving recreation and parks professionals the opportunity to be part of a stronger, united voice for the sector.
Phase 2 will focus on building the collective, positioning the renewed Framework as the sector’s shared agenda, developing shared measurement tools, mutually reinforcing activities across the country, and strengthening communication across diverse audiences — all supported by a solid backbone team. Together, we will identify the activities best suited to achieve the shared vision of a stronger recreation sector for all Canadians.
Recognizing the importance of this work, CPRA’s 2025 Fall Pre-Budget Submission identifies the Collective Impact model as its first recommendation, calling for federal investment to ensure the sector has the strategy and resources it needs to thrive.
Explore the Summary of Findings from Phase 1 consultations to see how evidence and lived experience are shaping the path ahead.
View the Framework findings presented to the SPARC Ministers.
Need a quick glance of Phase 1? Check out the infographic.
You can also read our full 2025 Fall Pre-Budget Submission here.
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About the Framework
The Framework for Recreation in Canada, updated for 2024, is the guiding document for public recreation providers in Canada.
The Framework emphasizes the vital role of the recreation and parks sector in enhancing the health, wellbeing, and resilience of Canadians and their communities.
By providing accessible recreation activities, conserving natural environments, and fostering spaces for physical and social interactions, the sector significantly contributes to the quality of life across the country.
The updated Framework addresses current challenges, including climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and demographic shifts, while highlighting the need for inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement. It offers guidelines and strategies to help practitioners navigate contemporary complexities and promote growth within the sector, ensuring recreation and parks remain integral to the fabric of Canadian life.
Background
The first edition of the Framework, “Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015: Pathways to Wellbeing,” was a collaborative effort of the provincial and territorial governments (except Quebec), the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), and the provincial/territorial recreation and parks associations (including l’Association québécoise du loisir municipal). This first edition was endorsed by provincial and territorial ministers and supported by the Government of Canada in February 2015 to provide guidance and galvanize the recreation and parks sector.
Significant change has occurred since the Framework was first published in 2015. To reflect and address these changes, and after consultation with sector representatives across the country, a 2024 Framework Update was developed by the recreation and parks sector for the sector in partnership with CPRA and under the guidance of the Framework Leadership Team.
The 2024 Framework Update is not meant to replace the original edition, but instead to highlight current context and provide new information that impacts the sector and the development of recreation and parks strategies and action plans.
Click here to download the Contextual Analysis for the Framework.
Vision, Values, & Principles
The Vision of the Framework is a Canada in which everyone is engaged in meaningful, accessible recreation experiences that foster individual wellbeing, the wellbeing of natural and built environments, and community wellbeing.
The Values that guide the Framework are: public good, inclusion and equity, sustainability, and lifelong participation.
The Principles of operation underlying the Framework are: outcome-driven, quality and relevance, evidence-based, partnerships, and innovation.
Goals, Priorities, & Application
The Framework describes five goals and priorities for action under each goal.
The five goals presented in the updated Framework remain consistent with those established in the 2015. However, their descriptions have been revised to reflect current perspectives and insights. The Priorities for each goal have also been updated based on what was heard through the consultation process involved in the Framework Update.
Click below to learn more about the Framework goals and priorities, as well as actionable strategies for recreation and parks professionals to advance these priorities, covering both operational and strategic dimensions.
Setting the Context: Challenges and Opportunities
Click the tiles below to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the sector based on the current Canadian context (2023-24), and the role the sector plays in addressing them.
More Framework News & Resources
10 Ways to Use the Framework
Framework and Quebec Recreation Policy
Framework Alignment Tool
