What is the Forward Together Summit?

This first-of-its-kind national gathering will bring together leaders and changemakers from across the sector—and from allied fields such as health, equity, and climate resilience—to deepen collaboration, strengthen alignment, and amplify our collective voice. 

The Summit builds on the momentum of two major milestones: nationwide consultations for the renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada—which engaged more than 2,500 voices—and the Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium held in Saskatoon earlier this year. It will convene leaders and practitioners to share the findings of the Framework consultations and begin building consensus around shared priorities. This is a moment we cannot afford to miss. The Summit is designed as a living experiment—trying out new approaches, sparking collaboration, and strengthening alignment as our sector takes its next step. It may not be perfect, but with openness, patience, and a willingness to learn together, we can make this an important turning point for the sector. 

Success will depend on all of us working together, with patience and openness, as we explore how a Collective Impact approach can best serve the future of recreation and parks in Canada. Together, we will reinforce a shared identity, elevate the sector’s voice on Parliament Hill, and spotlight recreation’s essential role in advancing public health, climate resilience, equity, inclusion, and Reconciliation—all while creating meaningful opportunities for networking, professional development, and contributing directly to a coordinated national advocacy effort. 

Most importantly, the Summit will be an opportunity to strengthen personal connections and set the stage for the next chapter of sector-wide collaboration. 

The Forward Together Summit is hosted by the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA).