Denis Coderre Launches the Third Regional Sport Consultation Conference in Regina
REGINA, September 29, 2000 -- Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Denis Coderre and Saskatchewan Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and Minister of Municipal Affairs, Culture, and Housing Jack Hillson today opened the third of six regional conferences on sport. This conference is being held in Regina from September 29 to October 1, 2000.The goal of these regional conferences is to gather key participants in the sport system to ensure their contribution to the development of a Canadian Policy on Sport. This consultation process will be followed by a National Conference presided by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, early in 2001.
Mr. Coderre took the opportunity to release the results of a survey on participation in sport in the prairie provinces that has just been carried out. The survey results indicated that 32.2% of all respondents participate regularly in sports while 12.5% participate in sports a few times a month or during the year. Also, close to 75 % are convinced that sport greatly contributes to improve all aspects of life.
"We must encourage all Canadians, including those in the Prairie Provinces to participate even more in amateur sport. I am confident that during the next few days, the delegates will come up with solutions to overcome the challenges facing the sport system in the Prairies and everywhere in Canada."
Mr. Coderre also thanked the Governments of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan for participating in the Prairie Conference and expressed particular appreciation to Minister Hillson, the co-chair of the conference.
Mr. Hillson welcomed the opportunity for delegates from the Prairie provinces to provide input into the development of a national sport policy. "We will provide a unique Prairie perspective on Canadian sport," Mr. Hilson said. "We are confident we can contribute toward a policy that will help invigorate sport across the country."
The results of the survey as well as general information about the conferences are available on the Internet at http://www.amateur-sport.gc.ca. The website is also intended to provide information and to give the public an opportunity to contribute to the consultative process either by sending proposals or participating in forums.
Information:
Patrick L. Doyon
Director of Communications
Office of the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
(819) 994-9909
Maureen Boyle
Municipal Affairs, Culture and Housing
Regina
(306) 787-5959
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