3 questions to ask political candidates about sport and recreation services

Sport and recreation are political issues because different governments view their role in delivering these services differently. A better understanding of how political parties view sport and recreation can help inform voters' decisions when they head to the polls. (Shutterstock)

Recreation and sport provide important opportunities to improve physical health, quality of life and well-being in our communities. As a result, some data suggest that 98 per cent of Canadians believe that recreation and parks are essential services.

However, recent data also indicates a decline in sport participation over the past 20 years. In 2021, adults in Canada received an F for sedentary behaviours on the Participaction Report Card, suggesting that participation in recreation and physical activities is also declining.