Sheila Copps and Paul Devillers announce $1.4 Million for the Hamilton 2010 Commonwealth Games Bid
OTTAWA, July 24, 2003 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps and Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers today announced that the Government of Canada will provide $1.4 million in direct funding for the Hamilton 2010 Commonwealth Games Bid."The Government of Canada is a strong supporter of Canada's bid to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games, because hosting these Games is a key step in advancing our vision of becoming a leading sport nation by 2010," said Minister Copps. "Canada's bid is built on a strong partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the City of Hamilton, McMaster University, Commonwealth Games Canada, and the Hamilton 2010 Bid Corporation. It's a true team effort and we're aiming to win."
The funding will support the Hamilton 2010 Commonwealth Games Bid Corporation's bid-related activities in the lead-up to the decision on which city Hamilton or New Delhi, India will be chosen to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The decision will take place at the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly meeting, which will be held in Jamaica from November 11 to 14, 2003.
"Hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2010 is an important part of Canada's efforts to build capacity, enhance sport development, and provide a meaningful legacy to all Canadians," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "The Commonwealth Games are an excellent opportunity to host the world and to give our athletes the opportunity to participate in high-level sports competitions in Canada."
Today's announcement is in addition to a commitment made by Minister Copps on
May 26, 2003, to contribute $250 million for the 2010 Commonwealth Games if Hamilton is chosen as the host city.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport)
(819) 953-7329
Backgrounder
Government of Canada Support for the Bid
The Government of Canada's Role
The Government of Canada is an enthusiastic supporter of the City of Hamilton's bid to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games. At home and internationally, the Government of Canada actively supports the work of the Hamilton 2010 Commonwealth Games Bid Corporation.
The 2010 Bid Secretariat in the Department of Canadian Heritage assists the Bid Corporation in all aspects of organizing the bid and serves as the primary contact for the 20 federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations tasked with providing services connected with the bid. The Secretariat works in close partnership with officials from the Province of Ontario, the City of Hamilton, McMaster University, and Commonwealth Games Canada in planning for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Government of Canada Objectives
The Hamilton 2010 Commonwealth Games will significantly advance the Government of Canada's sport objectives, while effectively demonstrating its commitment to and leadership in Canadian and international sport.
The Hamilton 2010 Bid Corporation's plans are consistent with the achievement of the Government of Canada's sport priorities, including the opportunity to:
- re-define and enhance sport development, particularly for summer sport.
- improve access to facilities and programming.
- provide additional opportunities for Canadian youth to gain experience in international development.
- develop the capacity of the voluntary sector.
- enhance Canada's contribution to furthering the Commonwealth sport movement.
- provide a meaningful legacy for all Canadians.
This project will build capacity in summer sport in the same way that preparing for the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver will build capacity for winter sport. The Government of Canada wants to make 2010 the year for sport in Canada.
Of particular importance to the Government of Canada will be the legacy for under-represented groups in Canadian sport, including Aboriginal peoples and athletes with a disability.
Government of Canada Financial Support for the Games
The Government of Canada is a proud partner in Canada's bid to host the 19th Commonwealth Games in 2010, and has committed the following financial support:
- $1.4 million in direct funding for the Hamilton 2010 Commonwealth Games Bid Corporation towards the cost of its bid-related activities.
- $250 million towards operating and capital costs, legacy, and the delivery of federal essential services if Canada is awarded the right to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Honorary Ambassadors
Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps appointed two honorary ambassadors to help raise the profile of Canada's 2010 Commonwealth Games Bid. Chief Justice Roy McMurtry and the Honourable Lincoln Alexander will also provide important strategic advice as the bid process unfolds.
Mr. Alexander served as Member of Parliament from 1968 to 1980. He was Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 1985 to 1991. He has served as Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation Board of Directors since 1996. Mr. Alexander is currently Chancellor of the University of Guelph.
Mr. McMurtry served as Canada's High Commissioner to Britain from 1985 to 1988. He was Chair and CEO of the Canadian Football League from December 1988 to April 1991. On January 1, 2002, he retired as Chair of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Committee on Cooperation through Sport. He is the honorary president of Commonwealth Games Canada.
Please visit the Hamilton 2010 Commonwealth Games Bid Secretariat at:
www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/commonwealth2010
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