Funding

As a proud partner in delivering on the success of the 2010 Winter Games, the Government of Canada has made a major investment in this event. It is an opportunity to shine a light on Canada as an innovative, inclusive, and progressive nation that boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world.

A Multi-Party Agreement was signed on November 14, 2002, by all parties involved in the 2010 Winter Games. The purpose of this Agreement is to confirm the parties' roles and responsibilities in regards to the 2010 Winter Games.

In the Multi-Party Agreement, the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia have both agreed to provide $310 million in funding to cover infrastructure and legacy costs. Further to this contribution, the Government of Canada will provide an additional $242 million, which includes a $55 million additional one-time investment in venues, bringing the Government of Canada’s total investment in the Games to $552 million.

For the 2010 Winter Games, the Government of Canada's investment is as follows:

• $290 million for infrastructure projects related to sport and event venues;
  
• $130 million for federal essential services such as security, immigration and border services;
  
• $55 million to establish a Legacy Endowment Fund that will provide operational funding for specific 2010 Winter Games sporting venues and fund charitable and not-for-profit organizations conducting high performance amateur sport programming at those venues and elsewhere in Canada. This will ensure Canadians will continue to use the venues and benefit from sport programming well beyond 2010;
  
• $37 million towards the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Federal Secretariat, which is the focal point for the Government of Canada's participation in the Games, this funding also includes communications activities, environmental assessments and $2 million for support to the Four Host First Nations Society;
  
• $20 million for the Live Sites Program, a series of Olympic and Paralympic viewing venues located in Vancouver and Whistler will allow residents and visitors to share in the excitement of the Games experience;
  
• $20 million to help offset the operating costs of the Paralympic Winter Games.

To view the Government of Canada's assessment of VANOC's request for additional capital projects funding, please read the Pacific Liaicon & Associates report.

The 2010 Winter Games provide a myriad of opportunities. Economic spin-offs, improved sport infrastructure, a "green" legacy, cultural and social benefits, and Aboriginal participation will be just some of the positive, lasting effects that Canadians from across the country will experience long after the Games have ended.

Visit the Government of British Columbia's website to find out more about its contributions and involvement in the 2010 Winter Games.