CANADIAN PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION October 2015 A Year in Review
Our Collective Mission Advancing the recreation and parks sectors in Canada to support the development of healthy Canadian citizens, communities and environments.
CPRA Strategic Goals To advance our collective cause To increase the capacity of our sectors To enhance the excellence and sustainability of CPRA
Our Collective Strength CPRA is the collective experience, expertise and network of the 13 provincial/territorial (PT) members Our strength is our Board, our PT members and the countless professionals and volunteers who support the work of CPRA This is complemented by a national office that includes a seasoned Executive Director and a Director of Communications
In Review - Governance CPRA Board meets in-person twice a year - November 2014 (Toronto) June 2015 (Yellowknife) CPRA Board of Directors meets every two months by conference call Two Board Committees (Operations and Strategic) meet every two month by conference call Three CPRA Task Groups actively assist in implementing our priorities: Professional Development, Infrastructure and Parks
In Review - Operations Balanced Budget ongoing Successful annual audits ongoing Launched advertisement program in 2014 and finalizing sponsorship program in 2015 Ongoing applications put forward for government and foundation grants to generate new opportunities and revenue for CPRA
In Review - Communications CPRA bilingual quarterly newsletter CPRA bi-weekly e-blasts to all PT members Quarterly national webinars free educational opportunities for the sector Active social media presence Successful CPRA Awards Program with the addition of a Partnership Award in 2015
In Review Advocacy Annual education day on Parliament Hill Meet with MPs and senior bureaucrats on regular basis to promote CPRA priorities Submission to House of Commons Finance Committee (2014 & 2015) calling for dedicated parks and recreation infrastructure funding CPRA election toolkit created to assist recreation sector in engaging in federal election dialogue Three main party leaders engaged by CPRA during the federal election to ensure CPRA priorities on the radar
In Review - Framework for Recreation in Canada National Summit held in November 2014 - sector endorsed Framework CPRA Board endorsed Framework November 2014 PT Ministers endorsed and federal government stated support for the Framework in February 2015 Framework Monitoring and Implementation Working Group (CPRA and PT governments) providing national leadership and support for communications and implementation of Framework
In Review Key Initiatives Infrastructure Partnering with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on production of a Report Card on the state of sport and recreation infrastructure Partnering with the governments to create meaningful data on state of recreation infrastructure in Canada Calling on Members of Parliament to create a federal infrastructure program dedicated to parks and recreation
In Review Key Initiatives Professional Development 2015 launch of the CPRA Professional Development Certification program Program offers a unique educational opportunity for the recreation sector Program offers online classroom opportunities and recognizes credits for engagement with existing sector professional development opportunities CPRA Certification already receiving international recognition
In Review - Key Initiative Parks Initiatives Active and engaged CPRA Parks Task Group Built strong partnerships with Parks Canada and Canadian Parks Council in 2014-15 and continuing to enhance this relationships Partnering with Parks Canada, Alberta Parks and Recreation Association and aligned partners on a National Parks Summit planned for April 2016
In Review National Networking CPRA has built and enhanced close strategic relationships with other key national organizations in the past year including: Federation of Canadian Municipalities Communities in Bloom Sports Matters National Assembly of First Nations Physical and Health Education Canada Canadian Recreation Facilities Council Boys and Girls Club of Canada Canadian Playground Safety Institute Active Living Alliance (disabilities) Kid Active Canadian Sport 4 Life Friendship Centers ParticipACTION Parks Canada YMCA Canada Parks Council LIN Canada Trails
In Review - Business Plan CPRA is delivering on all goals in the Business Plan for 2013-2016 to enhance long term sustainability and growth CPRA Board is developing a new Business Plan to reflect the goals of the Framework for Recreation PT members are closely involved in development and implementation of CPRA Business Plan
Looking Forward Implementation of the Framework for Recreation in partnership with PT members Launch FCM Report Card on state of infrastructure and continue to seek a federal infrastructure program dedicated to parks and recreation Nurture relationships with Members of Parliament, government officials and national partners Enhance member communications and networking Secure additional opportunities for CPRA via sponsorship, foundations, advertising