Federal Role in the Promotion of Physical Activity

The federal government has a key role to play in several areas: strategic leadership and policy development, knowledge development and information dissemination, partnership building, and the general promotion of physical activity. In keeping with the population health approach, emphasis is placed on the determinants of health within specific life stages and across the life span.

1 - Strategic Leadership and Policy Development

Addressing the determinants of physical activity in a coordinated and cost-effective way requires the Public Health Agency of Canada to play a leadership role with other federal departments and the governments of other countries as well as a shared leadership role with provincial/territorial governments, national voluntary organizations, and the private sector.

This federal leadership role includes identifying emerging issues and establishing policies and plans which enable all Canadians to have access to equitable opportunities to be active. To this end, it is recognized that additional support may be needed to address the systemic barriers to physical activity which are particularly apparent among Canadians with a disability, girls and women, older adults, and Aboriginal Peoples.

2 - Knowledge Development and Information Dissemination

Research, knowledge development, and information synthesis are key elements of evidence-based planning and policy development. As well, authoritative information must be provided to the general public, and to professionals and government policy makers in physical activity, health and other fields in order to enable informed choices.

This information will advise them of the recommended levels and types of physical activity to achieve health benefits and the many other benefits of physical activity for individuals, for society, and for the environment. On-going monitoring and periodic evaluations are also necessary - to assess the impact and cost-effectiveness of programs.

3 - Partnerships and Alliances

Federal policy places a major emphasis on working in collaboration with partners. Social and physical environments affect the choices available to Canadians for integrating physical activity into daily life. A number of disciplines/fields have an impact on the availability of opportunities, including fitness, recreation, and sport education, urban planning, transportation, workplaces and health.

Action is also required to develop and implement strategies that increase awareness about the important contribution of physical activity in addressing issues in other fields, such as youth at risk, transportation and protection of the environment. Collaborative partnerships are needed with the public, private, and voluntary sectors in these fields to achieve common goals.

The federal government has a role in contributing financial assistance and strategic advice to national organizations which further health objectives. Working in collaboration increases the critical mass for addressing national problems.

Click here to see a list of our partners.

4 - Promoting and Communicating the Benefits of Physical Activity

The federal government has a role in communicating the important benefits of physical activity and the health risks of physical inactivity to Canadians, and working with provincial and territorial partners to foster consistent national messages. Media campaigns promote awareness of issues, influence attitudes, reinforce individual choices and lend support to other strategies. As well, celebrations and special events can be a cost-effective way of attracting corporate sector support in order to raise the profile of physical activity and to mobilize hundreds of communities to promote a variety of opportunities to be active.

Promotion, mass media awareness campaigns, and events are not sufficient in themselves to provide an on-going supportive social environment for Canadians to be active. They can, however, be a potent force if combined with complementary strategies which encourage supportive physical and social environments.

Last Updated: 2004-12-06

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