Report No. 013-12

TO: Chair and Members of the Board of Health
FROM: Graham L. Pollett, MD, FRCPC, Medical Officer of Health
DATE: 2012 February 16 

Endorsement of the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity

Recommendations

It is recommended:

1)   That the Board of Health endorse the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity attached as Appendix A to Report No. 013-12; and further

2)   That the Board of Health endorsement be registered on the Global Advocacy for Physical Activity website; and further

3)   That London City Council and the Councils of Middlesex County Municipalities be petitioned to endorse the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity.

Background

There is well established scientific evidence that regular physical activity enhances health as it is an important component in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.  Regular physical activity also promotes positive psychological health and social connectedness, as well as enhancing economic benefits and environmental sustainability. As part of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s  Healthy Communities strategy, the Healthy Communities and Injury Prevention Team is providing leadership to the Healthy Communities Partnership (HCP) Middlesex-London – Physical Activity Policy Action Team, in seeking local endorsement of the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity (TCPA) (Appendix A).  In the fall of 2010 and spring of 2011, the HCP organized a series of community stakeholder consultations where physical activity was identified as a community priority for healthy public policy.

Decreasing Physical Activity Levels

Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey show that self-reported physical inactivity in Middlesex-London fluctuated between 43% and 50%. Also, recent national data obtained by accelerometer monitoring indicated that 85% of Canadian adults and 93% of Canadian children and youth do not achieve the minimum level of physical activity necessary to ensure long-term health and well-being.

The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity 

In 2009, the Global Advocacy Council for Physical Activity of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health initiated the development of a global call to action in the form of a physical activity charter. Guided by an expert, international writing group, the Charter was developed over a two year period with input from 55 countries from all regions of the world. The resulting document is a comprehensive set of guiding principles and a framework for action to increase sustainable opportunities for physically active lifestyles that can be applied locally. The Charter was launched during the 3^rd International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health inToronto, May 2010 (thus, the name Toronto Charter for Physical Activity). It has been translated into 17 languages.

The TCPA is both comprehensive and inclusive. Guiding principles include:

§   use of evidence based strategies

§   embracing an equity approach

§   addressing the environmental, social and individual determinants of physical inactivity

§   implementation of sustainable actions in partnership

§   building capacity in research, practice, policy, evaluation and surveillance

§   use of a life course approach, addressing the needs of children, families, adults and older adults

§   advocating to decision-makers to increase political commitment

§   cultural sensitivity and

§   making physical activity the easy choice.

The framework focuses on 1) national, regional and local action plans, 2) policies that support physical activity, 3) reorienting services and funding to prioritize physical activity, and 4) developing partnerships for action. It outlines supportive policy and regulation examples including:

• urban and rural planning
• fiscal
• workplace
• education
• sports and recreation
• media advocacy and
• mass communication.

Endorsement of the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity

Community consultations by the Healthy Communities Partnership Middlesex-London identified endorsement of the TCPA as a strategic step toward local policy development. By endorsing the Charter, organizations and political entities can demonstrate their commitment toward making healthy active living a reality for all.

Summary

The Toronto Charter for Physical Activity articulates the case for physical activity and provides international consensus on the common actions needed to gain increased political priority for and investment in policy and programs aimed at increasing and supporting active living across the life cycle. In Canada, this Charter is a foundation document for the development of a new national physical activity strategy entitled, Active Canada 20/20: A Physical Activity Strategy and Change Agenda for Canada. By endorsing the TCPA, organizations and political bodies will provide increased momentum to support existing local initiatives as well as develop new initiatives, particularly policies, which will help create sustainable environments that support active lifestyles.

This report was prepared by Ms. Bernadette McCall, Public Health Nurse, and Ms. Mary Lou Albanese, Manager, Healthy Communities and Injury Prevention Team.

Graham L. Pollett, MD, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health 

This report addresses the following requirement(s) of the Ontario Public Health Standards:
Chronic Diseases and Injuries Program Standards of Chronic Disease Prevention 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 12 and that of Prevention of Injury and Substance Misuse 2, 4, 5 and the 2011 MLHU Strategic Direction: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity.