(Ottawa, ON) Oct. 1, 2018 — Canadian communities will come under the microscope as community foundations across the country release their Vital Signs reports to the public this week.
Vital Signs is the most extensive community-driven data program in Canada. The annual quality of life reports measure how communities are doing, showcase a wealth of current, local data as well as citizen feedback.
From housing, to transit, to safety, the environment, the arts and gender equality, the reports offer invaluable insights across more than 70 indicators of quality of life. As Canadians head to the polls this fall, Vital Signs can help voters better understand community needs, take the pulse on issues that matter and make evidence-based informed decisions on election day.
Highlights and features of the reports
- National data broken down to the community level
Community Foundations of Canada collaborates with the Institute for Sustainable Development to disaggregate national data, including the 2016 Census and other federal surveys. In 2018, many indicators were aligned directly to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Local foundations frequently administer their own public opinion surveys to supplement national data. - “If my community were a village of 100”
Local demographics are broken down in this visual analysis to help demonstrate the importance of community issues on a simple scale. - A deeper look into issues at the local level
Reports explore intersecting community issues. How does access to green space affects mental health and wellbeing? What are the links between arts and culture participation and citizens’ sense of belonging?
Quotes
“From demographic and technological shifts to environmental pressures, our communities will face some incredible opportunities and challenges in the next 20 years, ” says Andrew Chunilall, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada. “We need to do a better job of ensuring no one gets left behind. The leadership of community foundations and programs like Vital Signs, which offer local data and community-driven knowledge, are a crucial part of the solution.”
For additional information
- Connect with your local community foundation to explore its latest report, and associated events like Vital Conversations.
- Peruse the growing collection of 2018 Vital Signs reports from across the country by visiting our website.
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About Community Foundations of Canada
Community Foundations of Canada is the national network for Canada’s 191 community foundations. Together we are a philanthropic movement working across sectors to help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient communities.
About Vital Signs
Vital Signs is a national program led by community foundations and coordinated by Community Foundations of Canada that leverages local knowledge to measure the vitality of our communities and support action towards improving our collective quality of life.
Media contact:
Geneviève Vallerand
Director of Communications
Community Foundations of Canada
C: (613) 266-6917
E: gvallerand@communityfoundations.ca
