Framework for Recreation in Canada
A guiding document for public recreation providers in Canada, updated to reflect Canada in 2024.
We are currently in the renewal process, consulting with recreation and parks professionals across the country. We want to hear from you.
Have Your Say in the Renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada
The renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada is underway—and your voice is essential. For the first time since 2015, we’re updating this foundational document to reflect the evolving needs of communities across the country. Whether you work in recreation and parks, volunteer in your community, or represent a related sector such as public health or education, your input will help guide the future of recreation in Canada.
To ensure the process is inclusive and accessible, we’ve launched a national survey available in both English and French. There are two options depending on your availability:
- Short version (~10–15 minutes) – a sub-set of questions from the long survey
- Long version (~30 minutes)
We encourage organizations to complete the survey as a team—for example, during a staff meeting—to reflect a broad range of perspectives.
Who Should Participate?
We want to hear from:
- Recreation and parks professionals from all sectors (Indigenous, municipal, provincial/territorial, non-profit, etc.)
- Volunteers, coaches, and board members
- Partners in public health, education, social services, and related fields
- Academics and researchers focused on recreation or community wellbeing
The survey is open until May 19, 2025.
As a thank you, all survey participants will be entered into a draw to win one of two $100 Canadian Tire gift cards.
This is your opportunity to contribute to a framework that reflects the needs and aspirations of the recreation community.
Want to stay in the loop? If you're interested in the Framework renewal and want to receive future updates, resources, and opportunities to get involved, sign up to stay connected.
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
