About
QUALITY OF LIFE
Quality of life is the overall enjoyment of one’s life. It is a healthy balance between work and family life, vocation and recreation and the accumulation of wealth and maintenance of good health.
QUALITY OF LIFE SECTOR
An umbrella term embracing all organizations providing people services that contribute to individual, family and community well being. The sector includes but is not limited to those involved in play, recreation, active living, sport outdoor activities, well being, health promotion, arts, culture, heritage, social services, libraries, education and life long learning, and safety.
WORKING VISION
The Vision 2015 Steering Committee contributed the following working vision for the Quality of Life sector, recognizing that sector participants will want to further refine the vision at a later date: ‘A re-creating, sustainable society that lives and promotes a culture of wellness, creativity and stewardship for the enhanced quality of life of all Albertans, their communities and their environments.’
CURRENT FIELD PARTICIPANTS
Any individual, group or agency driven by the quality of life sector’s overarching values and guiding principles is encouraged to get involved. The fields of current participants include:
- Arts & Culture
- Education
- Environment
- Health Promotion
- Heritage
- Justice
- Libraries
- Parks
- Persons with Disabilities
- Play / Early Childhood Development
- Recreation / Sport
- Rural Development
- Social Services
- Youth Services
- Urban Planning & Design
OVERARCHING VALUES
| A civil society with strong sense of citizenship | Alberta�s civic culture depends on respect for other viewpoints, real choice, hope for the future, a sense of security and trust in individuals and structures around us. |
| Community governance Local empowerment and self-determination are essential for wise decision making. | Creativity valued and nurtured At the heart of enriched quality of life is the freedom to innovate and create effective systems that nurture the creativity of individuals and groups.
Inclusion of all citizens in community life and services No one can be left out of a strong and healthy Alberta. Fairness and equity must be fundamental to the opportunities and services accessed by all. |
| Sustainability of our natural and built environment | Both natural and built environments are at the core of high quality life. Protection and preservation of Alberta�s natural resources, diverse habitats and cultural assets demands a consistent culture of stewardship. |
| Diversity is Valued And Respected | Whether differences involve ability, ethnic origin, religion, cultural mores, lifestyle or beliefs, all segments and communities in society must value those differences. |
FUNDAMENTAL GUIDING PRINCIPLES
| A long term perspective | Quality of life enhancements cannot be restricted to election cycles or to the next decade. To safeguard future generations, investments need to occur now and continue for the long term. |
| Celebrating diversity and promoting multiculturalism | Differences cannot simply be tolerated. They must be valued and nurtured as a necessary part of a complete community and society. |
| Citizens first | Albertans are citizens first and consumers second. Consumption of scarce resources such as water, and of public goods such as health care, should reflect our sense of responsibility to current and future citizens of local and global communities. |
| Holistic health | Each individual�s health status reflects the integration of mind, body and spirit as well as the impact of health determinants. Because much of life�s meaning lies in interconnectedness, contribution to one�s community can be an antidote to stress, particularly when combined with fitness, good nutrition and relaxation. |
| Individual responsibility and empowerment | Each Albertan is responsible for and should be equipped to actively participate in personal health and wellness. |
| Mainstreaming quality of life services | Quality of life services are at the heart of community well-being, with potential to enhance individuals health, prevent social exclusion and become key deliverers of health, education and community safety. |
| Quality, choice and accessibility in public goods | Public goods � including education, health care, environmental resources (air, land,
water), recreation and cultural assets � must be of high quality and accessible to all regardless of social economic status, age or any disadvantage. No child, e.g., should be denied opportunity to participate in a chosen sport or artistic endeavor. |
| Combating poverty and social exclusion | Poverty and social exclusion should keep no Albertans from fulfilling their potential through access to high quality public services and education, appropriate employment, decent housing and healthy local environments. |
| Long-term perspective | Quality of life enhancements cannot be restricted to election cycles or to the next decade. To safeguard future generations, investments need to occur now and continue for the long term. |
| Children and youth as highest priority | While it is important to foster health and wellness for all Albertans, investments in our children and youth promise the greatest long-term dividends. |
| Lifelong learning | True quality of life requires continuous learning. Opportunities to learn and grow must be available for all. |
| Active living and daily living | Active living is essential, a cornerstone of health and quality of life. |
| Respect for environmental limits | We cannot develop sustainable systems, nor can we properly protect our natural ecosystems, until we set limits on our environmental impact. |
COMMON OUTCOMES
Quality of Life Sector Leaders identified 38 broad outcomes they want to achieve. These are:
Individual Wellness Outcomes |
Community Wellness Outcomes |
Environmental Wellness Outcomes |
| Personal Capacity � All individuals have the ability, skills and personal capacity to participate in activities that are meaningful to them. | Basic Needs Met � Alberta is a civil, socially conscious society where everyone�s basic needs are met for food, shelter, safety and belonging. | Personal Responsibility � Aware of their personal responsibilities and impacts on the environment, citizens make wise choices. |
| Personal Development � Education, lifelong learning and creativity are universally supported in helping individuals develop their full capacity. | Engaged Citizens � Communities have effective mechanisms to involve citizens in problem solving, decision making and policy development; individuals actively engage in democratic opportunities and decisions that affect them. | Changed Behaviour � Albertans and their governments at all levels demonstrate leadership in environmental preservation and conservation. |
| Healthy Adults � Positive practices have radically reduced preventable diseases and conditions, and Albertans are healthier, happier and more active. | Caring Communities � Individuals have a sense of caring and collective responsibility; they help and support the safety and well-being of others. | Improved Environmental Design � Communities are designed to reduce non-renewable energy consumption, promote healthy lifestyles and preserve natural areas. |
| Healthy Children & Youth � The pattern of child and youth inactivity and obesity has been reversed and our young people are the healthiest in Canada. | Voluntary Involvement � High levels of voluntary activity are supported by systems and networks for volunteer and community engagement. | Preservation and Linkages � Alberta�s rich natural heritage is protected in a network of parks, natural areas, ecological reserves and corridors. |
| Balance and Participation � Albertans have balance in their lives and are active physically, mentally and spiritually amid a culture of participation. | Integrated Service Delivery � Strong, sustainable, integrated delivery systems provide a wide range of public services. | Citizen Stewardship � All citizens, individual and corporate, share a common understanding of environmental limits and steward the environment. |
| Shift from Consumerism � There is a shift from consumerism and the pursuit of goods to the pursuit of quality of life. | Inclusive and Accessible Services � Communities are inclusive and ensure that all citizens have access to the full range of public services. | Recreation and Protection in Balance � Alberta�s parks and protected areas offer recreational opportunities without compromising ecological integrity. When conflicts arise, a balance is sought. |
| Range of Opportunities � All Albertans have diverse opportunities to learn and participate in leisure and cultural activities. | Communities Designed for Active Living � Healthy and vibrant neighborhoods bring people together and mitigate against urban sprawl. | Environments as Public Goods � Recognizing our environment and natural landscapes as public goods, we hold each other accountable but also reward good stewardship. |
| Inclusive and Inviting Environments � Activities are affordable and take place in environments that are safe, comfortable and welcoming. | Diversity Celebrated � Albertans value, respect, reflect and celebrate the full range of human diversity, making sure everyone is welcome. | Shift to Renewable Resources � Renewable energy resources become the norm, coupled with legislated commitment to clean water and air. |
| Supportive Infrastructure � Communities are designed to support active lifestyle choices and social interaction; cultural, recreational and park facilities are recognized as investments in wellness. | Recreation & Cultural Places � Communities support the creation of places and spaces to celebrate our recreational and cultural pursuits. | Ecosystems Protected � Natural resource allocation protects non-renewable resources, maintains healthy ecosystems and enables healthy communities. |
| Collaboration � It is the norm for health, education and recreation to collaborate in planning services, opportunities and facilities for healthy communities. | Heritage is Integral � Heritage is valued and supported as an integral element of community life; as a result, decision makers view the loss of heritage/historic assets as unacceptable. | Integrated, Sustainable Investments � Fully understanding the high cost of failing to protect the environment, all governments do integrated planning that balances economic interests with long-term environmental protection. |
| Cultural Appreciation � All citizens contribute to their community�s cultural capital and share appreciation of the arts, culture and heritage. | Interaction with History � Multi-faceted, interactive learning spaces transmit, celebrate and encourage people to engage with our heritage. | Good Choices Easy and Affordable � Environmentally friendly choices are convenient, affordable and rewarded through taxation systems. |
| Creative Expression � Creative expression is fostered and empowered so that individuals feel safe in exploring/expressing their creative and cultural self. | Recreation and Culture in Public Policy � Recreation, arts and culture are recognized as integral to social, economic and community well-being and assigned priority in public policy. | Cultural Learning for Children � All children have regular opportunities to experience and engage in cultural activities in educational and community settings. |
| Engaged Organizations � Recreational and cultural organizations (museums, libraries, art galleries, etc.) are aware of and live up to their responsibility to serve and benefit communities and society in general. | ||
| Alberta as Centre of Cultural Excellence � Alberta is seen as a global hotspot of cultural excellence, drawing people from all over the planet. |
COLLABORATIVE PRIORITIES CONSIDERED MOST URGENT
| Livable Communities and Cities Framework | The highest rated strategy proposed at the 2005 Leaders� Forum would offer individual communities a �Quality of Life� or �Livable Communities� Framework for use in evaluating overall quality of life. The framework could be used both to evaluate factors such as urban planning and active transportation and to plan and implement strategies for increasing local livability. Commitment to developing a Framework and Guide for Livable Communities and Cities may result from a 2006 Leaders� Forum. Key participants would be the Alberta Association of the Canadian Institute of Planners, the AUMA and the AAMD&C, with ARPA in a supporting role. Quality of Life Indicators developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities could serve as a guide. |
| Measuring and investing in Public Goods | Delegates at the 2005 Leaders� Forum gave second highest ranking to the call for a new measurement paradigm that tallies costs and benefits more accurately than the GDP. Some suggested a system such as the Genuine Progress Index developed by GPI Atlantic. Collaborative Vision 2015: A Strategic Plan to Improve the Quality of Life in Alberta advocacy to help the Alberta Government and Alberta citizens understand the true value of public goods should be a priority topic at the proposed 2006 Leaders� Forum. |
| Enhanced wellness and Active Living | Provincial plans to update the 1998 Alberta Active Living Strategy3 open the potential to expand and link initiatives that integrate physical activity into daily living. The Ministers Coordinating Council on Active Living, made up of nine ministries (including Health and Wellness) and other partners, has submitted recommendations gathered in recent months to the Minister of Community Development, who holds primary responsibility for encouraging and developing physical activity in Alberta. Among the recommendations is an Active Communities initiative proposed by ARPA. This initiative would help local recreation and parks departments and their community partners develop and implement integrated strategic plans to create environments that encourage and support active living and wellness. |
| Advancing the Quality of Life Sector | Building momentum as a movement will require concerted action spearheaded by a multi-disciplinary cadre of leaders, including ARPA. Recommended next steps include hosting a 2006 Quality of Life Sector Symposium, creating a template for communities to use in measuring local quality of life and examining the value of a sector-specific recognition program. |
| Premier�s Wellness Council | Alberta was first to respond to pan-Canadian active living goals by forming the Ministers Coordinating Council and launching the Active Living Strategy in 1998. Given the expanded importance of wellness goals, the 2006 Leaders� Forum will consider recommending a Premier�s Wellness Council be formed to elevate and expand that work. Key public, private and voluntary sector active living agencies could then advise the Premier, Minister of Community Development, Minister of Health and Wellness and other departments and help to promote provincial and regional strategies all across the province. To ensure that these �upstream� health initiatives do not compete with day to day healthcare, the province should establish a separate fund for wellness and health promotion. |
| Provincial Volunteer Sector Accord | The Canadian Voluntary Sector Accord8 completed in 2001 spells out the respective roles and relationships between the voluntary sector and the Government of Canada. Leaders in Alberta�s voluntary sector identify a need for a similar accord between the Government of Alberta and Alberta�s voluntary sector. Chambers of volunteers in Edmonton and Calgary and the Alberta Volunteer Network are best positioned to lead this advocacy, supported by Volunteer Alberta and ARPA. |
| Alberta Land, Water and Air Strategy | The Government of Alberta must develop a comprehensive Land, Water and Air Strategy in consultation with a wide variety of public and private organizations. Separate land and air strategies could be modeled on the existing Water Strategy, but in the end the three strategies need to be integrated to ensure comprehensive stewardship of Alberta�s natural assets and environments. It is crucial for the Canada West Foundation to continue its lead role in advocating for new public policy to protect and conserve natural resources. The recreation and parks field should play a strong supporting role through advocacy and by championing such concrete measures as increased active transportation opportunities. |
| Environmental Assets Inventory and DatabasE | An inventory of significant environmental assets � including natural ecosystems, waterways, water sources and wildlife corridors � is key to the crucial work of preserving, conserving and protecting Alberta�s natural areas. While many of these assets are under provincial and federal control, several fall within the stewardship of the municipal sector and the recreation and parks field. Alberta Environment and environmental agencies should lead this inventory, with ARPA supporting the work by ensuring an inventory is carried out and that the resulting data base is accessible, maintained, monitored and updated. |
| Cultural Policy for Alberta | Cultural vitality should be recognized as a fourth pillar in community sustainability, alongside social, economic and environmental vitality. Alberta needs to clarify its commitment to a range of public services broadly intended to support cultural vitality by creating a comprehensive cultural policy. ARPA could play a supporting role in promoting and developing such a policy. |
| Social Infrastructure Investment Program | Alberta has a real and growing social infrastructure deficit. An ARPA assessment of 100-plus recreation facilities found the financial cost of aging infrastructure critical and significant in the recreation and parks field alone. ARPA and other partners in the Quality of Life Sector should advocate for a new provincial Social Infrastructure Investment Program specifically for community recreation, parks, culture and library facilities. This pool of funds should be kept separate from other federal/provincial infrastructure programs and used specifically to repair and replace aging infrastructure that serves the Quality of Life Sector. |
A vision where society has shifted…
| From extraction of commodities | To value-added processing |
| From consumption of seemingly infinite resources | To stewardship of scarce resources |
| From a homogenous society that values conformity | To diverse communities that respect nonconformity |
| From local communities of place | To global communities of interest |
| From recreation as discretionary leisure | To recreation as necessary for wellness |
| From disease focused health care | To wellness focused holistic health |
| From discrete policy envelopes | To integrated policy paradigms |
| From top-down governing | To governance as shared accountability |
| From quality service for customers who pay | To quality of life for all citizens |
| From individualism and privatization | To communitarianism and social engagement |
| From social capital involving small, tightly knit communities | To creative capital involving diverse cosmopolitan communities |
~ from Alberta Recreation and Parks Association’s Future 2015 Project
