Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute
The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI) is a long-standing, national research organization concerned with monitoring physical activity and sport participation among Canadians and sharing knowledge about the importance of leading healthy, active lifestyles. As the only organization in Canada uniquely focused on surveillance and monitoring of physical activity, sport and recreation, the CFLRI provides credible data and works with policy- and decision-makers, practitioners and researchers to translate and exchange knowledge that informs and affects evidence-based policy and practice across Canada.
SPOTLIGHT
Our new Spotlight series showcases research about the diverse individuals, settings, and organizations that make this country move. The data has been reflected in two sections:
Various Population Groups
This section presents current data for various population groups representing the diversity across the country.
Supportive Settings and Organizations
This section presents current data on the vital settings and organizations that play an integral role in helping Canadians be active.
The sport, physical activity and recreation sector (“SPAR”) plays a crucial role in fostering healthy individuals, inclusive communities, and a thriving economy. Until now, economic assessments on the impact of SPAR in Canada have been limited, dated or disparate.
The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI) and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), along with Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton (RCGT), have partnered to provide innovative new research, tools and resources that demonstrate the multifaceted impact and value of the SPAR sector.
Discover how strategic SPAR investments can significantly uplift our communities and help Canada achieve its national goals.
By The Numbers
37.2
Billion
is the economic impact reflected as the annual contribution to Canada’s economy, in 2022, from SPAR and retail sales
3.9
Billion
is the health impact reflected as the annual contribution to health care costs for select health conditions to physical inactivity in 2022
13.6
Billion
is the social impact reflected as the value of volunteering in SPAR-based activities
42.5
Billion
is the environmental impact reflected as the replacement value of SPAR facilities and active transportation infrastructure
How Active Are Canadians?
Did you know that despite the known health benefits associated with regular physical activity most Canadians are still not active enough to reap most health benefits? According to the 2021 Canadian Community Health Survey, 54% if Canadian adults aged 18 years and older and 45% of children and youth between the ages of 12 and 17, achieve the national guidelines (at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week for adults and 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous activity for children and youth). This finding suggests that more research is required to determine how best to improve rates of participation among Canadians.
Canadian Sport and Activity Data
Access current physical activity and sport data from across Canada, presented as customized and downloadable data tables.
Recent Publications
The CFLRI has an expansive library of research bulletins and papers covering a wide range of topics related to physical activity and sport participation in Canada. Use the search feature to gain access to current publications with data from our recent studies.
3 documents
This report describes the findings from the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute’s 2022 Parent Survey of Physical Activity and Sport Participation among 5 to 17 year olds with regards …
This report describes the findings from the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute’s 2022 Parent Survey of Physical Activity and Sport Participation among 5 to 17 year olds with regards …
This report describes the findings from the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute’s 2022 Parent Survey of Physical Activity and Sport Participation among 5 to 17 year olds with regards …
