House of Commons Passes the Act to Promote Physical Activity and Sport
OTTAWA, June 19, 2002 -- Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) and Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Paul DeVillers is pleased that Members of Parliament yesterday passed Bill C-54, the Act to promote physical activity and sport. Bill C-54 will now be submitted to the Senate for final approval."I am happy with the work accomplished by sub-committee members and my MP colleagues. Their contribution, matched with the precious collaboration of other governments, the sport community and the private sector, reflects our commitment to encourage and promote physical activity and sport in Canada," said Mr. DeVillers.
The Bill foresees the creation of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada, which was requested by stakeholders in Canadian sport. Once created, this Centre will be an independent entity with the mandate of resolving disputes between athletes, coaches and sport federations. It will offer services in both official languages.
This Bill also enshrines the policies of the Government of Canada in the areas of physical activity and sport. In this regard, the Canadian Sport Policy, endorsed by 14 Governments, will guide programs and plans in the areas of participation, excellence, capacity and interaction.
"The Government recognizes that physical activity and sport are an integral part of the lives of Canadians and their culture and that they generate benefits in the areas of health, quality of life and social cohesion," added Mr. DeVillers.
Developed in collaboration with Health Canada, the Act to promote physical activity and sport would replace the Fitness and Amateur Sport Act, which went into effect in 1961. The tabling of the Bill constitutes an important step in the Government of Canada's strategy to improve the Canadian sport system.
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State
(Amateur Sport)
(819) 953-7329
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