Canadian Sport Policy 2025–2035

A clear and simple explanation of the national vision for sport in Canada

Acknowledgement

The Canadian Sport Policy 2025–2035 was approved in August 2025 by Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers responsible for sport, physical activity, and recreation. The policy was developed with input from community members, sport organizations, and Indigenous partners across the country.

The policy recognizes the important role Indigenous Peoples have always played in shaping sport in Canada. It supports ongoing reconciliation and aims to ensure sport systems across Canada are safe, welcoming, inclusive, and fair for everyone.

Purpose of the Policy

This policy sets the direction for how sport will grow and evolve in Canada from 2025 to 2035. It encourages collaboration among governments, organizations, and communities to ensure that sport environments are positive, healthy, and meaningful for all participants.

The focus is simple: everyone should have the chance to participate in sport in a way that is safe, enjoyable, and personally meaningful.

What Counts as Sport?

Sport in Canada can take many forms—recreational, cultural, competitive, or professional. It may involve physical skill development, teamwork, social connection, or competition. Above all, sport should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone.

A New Era for Sport in Canada

Earlier national sport policies helped strengthen sport performance and system organization, but participation levels did not improve as much as expected. In recent years, the sport landscape has also been shaped by reconciliation efforts, gender equity work, safe sport awareness, and the impacts of COVID-19.

This new policy focuses on making sport more inclusive, more accessible, safer, and more meaningful—for all ages, abilities, and communities.

What Canadians Asked For

• Sport that is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable.
• Leaders and participants who reflect Canada’s diversity.
• Better support for Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, and underrepresented communities.
• More opportunities in rural and remote areas.
• A shift from “winning first” to personal growth, fairness, and wellbeing.

The Vision

Working together to ensure everyone can grow, achieve, and find wellbeing through sport.

This vision highlights collaboration, inclusivity, and positive development through sport.

Core Values

• Fun: Sport should be enjoyable.
• Inclusion & Accessibility: Everyone feels welcome.
• Diversity: Sport reflects the communities of Canada.
• Fairness & Integrity: Sport is conducted honestly and respectfully.
• Accountability: Leaders and organizations act responsibly.
• Community-Building: Sport strengthens local and cultural identity.
• Health & Safety: Participation supports whole-person wellbeing.
• Ambition: People are encouraged to strive for personal growth.

Who Makes This Vision Happen?

1. Governments

Governments set policies, provide funding, and support safe, fair, and accessible sport environments.

2. Sport Organizations

Organizations deliver programs at national, provincial, and community levels. They must maintain transparency, fairness, and participant-centered practices.

3. Sport Leaders

Coaches, volunteers, officials, educators, and athletes play key roles in creating safe and positive environments. Their training and support are essential.

4. Places and Spaces

Sport requires access to facilities such as fields, gyms, arenas, recreation centres, trails, and outdoor spaces. Communities need affordable and well-maintained places to play.

Two Contexts of Sport

1. Participation

Focuses on fun, health, basic skill development, and social connection for people of all ages and backgrounds.

2. Performance

Supports athletes aiming to improve skills and compete at higher levels. This includes local competition, elite training, and national-level performance.

What Success Looks Like

• People in Canada experience better health and wellbeing through sport.
• Communities are stronger and more connected.
• Canada continues to be a leader in fair, ethical, and high-quality sport.

Conclusion

The Canadian Sport Policy 2025–2035 encourages everyone involved in sport—athletes, leaders, organizations, families, and communities—to work together to create environments where people can grow, feel included, and thrive. When sport is built on care, fairness, and respect, it becomes more than a game—it becomes a foundation for a healthier and more connected Canada.