Canadian Parks and Recreation Association

Strengthen community resilience through (1) a $3 million annual pilot fund over three years to equip recreation professionals to serve communities effectively, and (2) re-investment of Community Sport for All through Playground to Podium, with $3 million annually over three years for CPRA to extend its Reaching Each and Every One program. Invest $2.5 million in 2026-27, followed by $2 million annually, to establish CPRA as the backbone organization for the national Collective Impact model identified through the renewal of the Framework for Recreation and Parks. Of this total, $1 million annually is dedicated to CAN Active Insights as the sector’s national measurement platform. Invest $3 million annually to expand CPRA’s role as a Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) delivery partner beyond the Green Jobs Initiative, creating approximately 600 additional youth employment pathways into the recreation and parks sector. Allocate $4 billion over three years from the Build Communities Strong Fund to a dedicated recreation and parks stream, supporting renewal and expansion of indoor and outdoor infrastructure, including upgrades that equip facilities for crises and climate-related events.

Positioning CPRA as a delivery partner in the Government of Canada's workforce strategy, with a focus on expanding access to youth employment through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). CPRA seeks federal investment to grow sector capacity, address labour shortages, and create meaningful youth employment opportunities that improve public health, promote inclusion, and reduce risk factors such as justice system involvement. Seeking federal investment of $1,000,000 in 2025–26 and $500,000 annually thereafter to support CPRA in designing and delivering a national Collective Impact model for the recreation and parks sector. The model would position CPRA as the backbone organization, coordinating multi-sectoral efforts to advance public health, equity, climate resilience, and national unity through inclusive, community-based recreation spaces and services. Create a $2 million annual federal fund administered by CPRA to improve disaster readiness and economic resilience of recreation facilities in rural and remote areas. Establish a $100 million annual Recreation Infrastructure Renewal Program to revitalize facilities and promote community development, equity, and climate resilience, with CPRA as a lead partner