Position Statement on Entry to Practice Qualifications
Since 1996 the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) has been promoting the allyship of helping professionals across the country. In fact, this organization was incorporated with the mission of bringing people with different educational backgrounds, from different health-related work settings, together as a collective to resolve common issues. While we continue to promote the value of collaboration nationally and abroad, we also feel it is necessary to shed light on the current landscape of the Recreation Therapy profession.
Read More Full Memo – Here
Vision Statement
We believe in a future where every Canadian, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance, has access to services that promote well-being, inclusion, and community connection. By 2029, we aim to be recognized as a national leader in advocacy, education, and innovation, committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We strive to empower communities and enhance lives through the continuous development and integration of inclusive therapeutic practices across all provinces.
Mission Statement
Values
The following principles will guide CTRA’s actions and decisions:
- Advocacy and Public Awareness
We are dedicated to advocating for the recognition and regulation of therapeutic recreation as a vital profession within the healthcare system. Our advocacy efforts focus on raising public awareness about the benefits of our services, ensuring that all Canadians, regardless of ability, have access to therapeutic recreation. - Excellence in Professional Standards
We are committed to maintaining and advancing the highest standards of professional practice in therapeutic recreation. Through a focus on certification, continuing education, and the development of national standards, we ensure that all professionals associated with CTRA are equipped to deliver high-quality, effective services that meet the diverse needs of Canadians. - Interprofessional Collaboration
We actively seek and foster collaborations with other healthcare professions and organizations to integrate therapeutic recreation into broader healthcare and community-based services. We are committed to working across disciplines to enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for the populations we serve. - Member Engagement and Support
We value the contributions and voices of our members and are committed to fostering an engaged and active membership. We provide meaningful opportunities for member participation, feedback, and professional development, ensuring that our members are well-supported in their roles. - Transparency and Accountability
We uphold the highest standards of transparency in our governance and operations. Our decision-making processes are clear, well-documented, and openly communicated to our members, stakeholders, and the public. We are accountable to our members and the communities we serve, ensuring that our actions align with our mission and strategic goals. - Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in all its forms. We are committed to ensuring equitable access to services, embracing diverse perspectives in our governance, and embedding DEI principles in our standards of practice, education, and advocacy efforts. - Financial Stewardship and Sustainability
We manage our financial resources with integrity and prudence, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our organization. Our decisions prioritize financial health and the diversification of revenue streams to support our strategic initiatives and maintain the stability of our operations.
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation
We are committed to a culture of continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and refining our practices, policies, and programs to better serve our members and communities. Innovation is at the forefront of our efforts, driving the development of new approaches to education, practice, and service delivery in therapeutic recreation.
Definition Statement
Therapeutic Recreation is a health care profession that utilizes a therapeutic process, involving leisure, recreation and play as a primary tool for each individual to achieve their highest level of independence and quality of life.
What is TR Brochure – Here
Code of Ethics
The Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association and its members endorse and practice the following ethical principles:
I. Professional Virtues:
Professionals act with integrity, protecting and promoting commitment to their service. Professionals act honestly through complete, accurate and clear communications. They do not misrepresent themselves or the profession. In the practice of fairness, intent and implications of service are explained and services/resources are used equitably and conscientiously. Professionals maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills through educational opportunities.
II. Obligation to the Individual and Society:
In advocating the importance of leisure, recreation and play, professionals are committed to equal opportunity and promote balance between the needs of the individual and the needs of others. Professionals are loyal to and committed to the well-being of the individuals they serve. They maintain privacy and confidentiality of the individual being served by practicing informed consent and seeking permission prior to the release of information.
III. Professional Practices:
Professionals strive to provide quality service based on the highest professional standards, deviating from these only when dictated by the needs of the individual. The purpose, results and implications of treatment practices are explained to the individual, striving to maintain their safety and well-being in a client centered approach.
IV. Responsibilities to Colleagues and the Profession:
Professionals practice mutual respect and work cooperatively for the benefit of those they serve. They practice professional and moral conduct in dealing with ethical issues. The Professional Association acts as a governing body and takes appropriate action against those who behave unethically. Professionals practice continued quality management to improve the profession’s ability to serve society. Professionals seek to improve the profession’s body of knowledge through ethical research and clinical teaching.
Download PDF