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ParticipACTION

physical actIvity

A Healthy Investment

ParticipACTION continues to advocate for sustained investment and effective policies and interventions on a national scale.

We have a physical inactivity crisis in Canada.

We believe an active life is a better life. Through collective action, everyone could have an equal opportunity to experience the health, social and economic benefits of physical activity.

Physical inactivity is costing Canada billions.

Physical inactivity costs our healthcare system over $3.9 billion annually and billions more in lost productivity.

%

Less than half of adults (49%)

meet recommended physical activity guidelines.

Only 39% of children and youth

meet recommended physical activity guidelines.

Now is not the time to pull back on investments

It’s time for governments to reinvest in physical activity and make it a national priority.

It’s time to change the pace towards a more active, healthier Canada.

ParticipACTION is proud to be part of the Physical Activity Collective – a group of national sport, physical activity and recreation organizations that are committed to strengthening the health and well-being of Canada through collective advocacy efforts. Learn more about how we are working to create lasting impact at www.ChangethePace.ca.

An athletic man in a wheelchair at golden hour
Aerial view of a man doing plyometrics jump squats up a staircase.

How investing in physical activity could make Canada healthier, wealthier and more connected

Disease Prevention
Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and several cancers.(1)
Lower risk of depression and dementia
There is approximately a 30% lower risk of depression and dementia for adults (on average) participating in daily physical activity.(2)
Connected communities
76% of adults in Canada feel welcomed and included through sport, physical activity, and recreation activities.(3)
Cost savings and reduced air pollution
If only 1% of people living in Canada switched from cars to active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.), it could save $564 million annually by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.(3)
Increased productivity
Physically active employees in Canada take 27% fewer days of sick leave, increasing productivity.(4)
Economic boost
The economic value of sport, physical activity and recreation has been estimated at $37.2 billion.(3)

Physical inactivity is a pervasive public health issue that must be urgently recognized as a national priority

Helping everyone become more active and less sedentary should not be seen as a burden or a cost, but rather a powerful investment that will make us a healthy, joyful, environmentally progressive, inclusive and economically strong nation.

A young woman stretching on the pavement
A group of friends formed around in a circle performing high knees

Moving Canadians to action

ParticipACTION is Canada’s most recognized and trusted physical activity leader. For over 50 years we’ve been working together with the Government of Canada and our partners in the sport, physical activity and recreation sector to get people in Canada more active where they live, learn, work and play.

We thank the Government of Canada for their continued support of our national physical activity promotion and participation strategies and programs.

Reports and Resources

A graphic photo of a child jump roping

Change the Pace - Policy Recommendations

Let’s get moving toward a more active, healthier Canada!

A graphic photo of a child jump roping

The Price of Inactivity

Measuring the Powerful Impact of Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in Canada
cover for Advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through Physical Activity: An Opportunity for Canada to Lead the Way

Advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through Physical Activity

An Opportunity for Canada to Lead the Way

cover for Advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through Physical Activity: An Opportunity for Canada to Lead the Way

The Case for Physical Activity

A solution to keeping Canada moving forward

References

References
  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Health topics. Physical Activity.
  2. World Health Organization. (2022). Physical activity: Impact. Geneva: World Health Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/physicalactivity#tab=tab_2
  3. Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI) and Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA). (2023). The Price of Inactivity: Measuring the Powerful Impact of Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in Canada. CFLRI & CPRA. Ottawa, ON, Canada. Retrieved from: https://measuring-impact.ca/ wpcontent/uploads/2023/11/CFLRI-CPRA_Price-Inactivity-Full-Report-EN-FINAL.pdf
  4. Public Health Agency of Canada. (2016). Business Case for Active Living at Work. Public Health Agency of Canada. Retrieved from: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/fitness/work/