The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI) is a registered Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the applied research and surveillance of physical activity, sport participation, and healthy lifestyle behaviors among Canadians. Established in the 1980s, CFLRI is internationally recognized for conducting one of the earliest and most extensive national studies on the fitness levels of the Canadian population and continues to operate one of the longest-standing monitoring systems globally for physical activity and sport data[1][5].

Mission and Activities

CFLRI’s fundamental objective is to provide credible data and evidence-based knowledge to inform public policy, programs, and practices related to physical activity, recreation, and sport across Canada. The organization monitors trends in physical activity and sport participation, examines factors influencing participation rates, and assesses the capacity of systems and environments to support healthy, active lifestyles. CFLRI works closely with policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and strategic partners to translate and exchange knowledge that affects policy and promotes physical activity nationwide[1][5].

Research and Data

As Canada’s only organization uniquely focused on surveillance and monitoring of physical activity, sport, and recreation, CFLRI provides access to extensive datasets, including customized and downloadable data tables covering current physical activity and sport participation levels across the country. According to data highlighted by CFLRI, a significant proportion of Canadians remain insufficiently active to achieve the health benefits of recommended activity guidelines, indicating ongoing research need and public health challenges. Their research library contains numerous publications, research bulletins, and peer-reviewed papers addressing diverse topics on Canadian physical activity and sport participation[1][2].

Governance and Funding

The institute operates as a registered not-for-profit and is governed by a Board of Directors comprising academics and professionals in policy, public health, physical activity, sport, and recreation fields. The current President is Christine Cameron, PhD, supported by board members from diverse expert backgrounds. CFLRI has historically received funding from federal, provincial, and territorial governments responsible for health, sport, and recreation, supplemented by grants and contracts[5].

Impact and Recognition

CFLRI is a key national leader in physical activity research in Canada, widely respected for its rigorous data collection and analysis methods. Its knowledge framework supports the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles and informs decisions in public health, sport, and recreation policies. The institute’s long history and continuous contributions underscore its importance in shaping Canada’s approach to physical fitness and lifestyle research[1][5].

Business Registration Number: 118831056RR0001
Location: Ottawa, Canada