Statement 2005 Federal Budget, sport funding in Canada
by Stephen OwenMinister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport)
Yesterday, the Canadian sport system reached a milestone. I am proud to confirm that in yesterday's 2005 Federal Budget, sport funding in Canada has been increased to $140 million, which represents a new all-time high. The Federal Budget clearly demonstrates that the Government of Canada is delivering on its commitments to high performance sport development, providing stable long-term funding to the Canadian sport system and to our athletes in their quest toward podium success.
By stabilizing the base funding, we will continue our work to support quality programs and activities for Canadians, from the playground to the podium. The new funds are delivering on the collective vision of the Canadian Sport Policy by allowing us to enhance Canada's ability to realize the potential of its athletes to achieve world-class results. This funding will also build capacity in the sport system to bring lasting benefits to Canada. In this Budget, $5 million will support new investments that will enable us to strengthen participation in sport among Canadians.
With the long-term funding provided in this Federal Budget, we will continue to strengthen key areas within the sport system, including direct support to athletes, coaching, national team programming, equipment, training and competition needs, and sport science and research. We will continue to support the vision of Own the Podium as all of Canada's athletes, in winter and summer sports, work toward podium success.
The 2005 Federal Budget reflects the incredible work of a number of partners in the sport community as well as corporate sponsors who promote a Canadian sport system from the community level to the international stage. As we look toward 2006, 2008, 2010 and beyond, I invite the private sector and other governments to join us as, together, we help to promote a sport system that meets the needs of our athletes and coaches, and provides every Canadian with access to quality sport programming.
In 2010, the eyes of the world will be on Canada as Vancouver and Whistler host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Games will inspire Canadian pride and achievement across the country. As part of the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to the Games, the Federal Budget also provides an additional $87 million over seven years, including an additional $20 million for the Paralympic Games, to ensure that Canada is ready when the world comes to visit in 2010. This funding is over and above the Government of Canada's existing commitment of over $410 million to help build the Games' sport and event venues, as well as to provide the essential services required for such an event, such as policing and security.
Yesterday's Federal Budget truly reflects Canada's commitment toward our vision of becoming a leading sport nation in both summer and winter sports. Sport has an impact on improving the health of Canadians, building strong communities, fostering social inclusion and showcasing Canada and Canadian values to the world. We are now on a new momentum towards strengthening sport for the benefit of all Canadians.
Information:
Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Western Economic
Diversification and Minister of State (Sport)
(613) 941-4241
[ Media Room ]
