What is the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity (TCPA)? The TCPA is an international charter that was developed by 55 countries and launched out of the City of Toronto in 2010. It is an influential guiding document that “is a call for action and an advocacy tool to create sustainable opportunities for physically active lifestyles for all.” The Charter was designed to help organizations and individuals work with decision-makers across a variety of sectors to promote physical activity in their communities.
There are nine guiding principles:
Adopt evidence-based strategies.
Embrace an equity approach.
Address the environmental, social, and individual determinants of physical inactivity.
Implement sustainable actions in partnership.
Build capacity in research, practice, policy, evaluation, and surveillance.
Use a life-course approach that addresses the needs of children, families, adults, and older adults.
Advocate to decision-makers to increase political commitment.
Ensure cultural sensitivity.
Make physical activity the easy choice.*
The Charter also outlines a framework for action:
Implement a national policy and action plan;
Introduce local policies that support physical activity;
Reorient services and funding to prioritize physical activity; and
Develop partnerships for action.
International Toronto Charter for Physical Activity (TCPA) Toolkit: Tips, Action Items, and Resources for Putting the TCPA into Action
*Derived from the World Health Organization’s 2008 Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the 2004 Action Plan on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.
Why a toolkit?
This toolkit provides tips, action items, and resources for putting the TCPA into action. Developed for the communities of London and Middlesex County, the goal of the toolkit is to provide specific ideas for members of key sector areas to increase opportunities and policies to support and encourage residents to become more physically active.
Who is the toolkit for?
Leaders and decision-makers in the sectors of:
Transportation
Urban planning and design
Schools and other educational settings
Parks and recreation
Workplaces
Health care and health promotion
Date of creation: November 16, 2015 Last modified on: November 16, 2015