Government of Canada Is Committed to Increasing Aboriginal Peoples' Participation in Sport
VANCOUVER, May 7, 2005 -- The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) today announced the creation of the Policy on Aboriginal Peoples' Participation in Sport. In the context of this policy, the Government of Canada will commit $12 million over five years to help finance sport policy initiatives to improve equity and provide Aboriginal persons' with increased access to sport."The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that all Canadians have access to quality sport programs," said Minister Owen. "The power of sport is far reaching. It increases self-esteem and improves quality of life. It also brings communities together."
"If we reduce existing barriers that prevent Aboriginal persons from having access to sport programs, we help ensure that they can enjoy the health and social benefits of sport participation," added Minister Owen.
The Policy on Aboriginal Peoples' Participation in Sport was developed in consultation with representatives from the Aboriginal Sport Circle, provincial and territorial governments, provincial and territorial Aboriginal sport bodies, national sport and multi-service organizations, as well as federal organizations, including Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Justice Canada, and the Department of Canadian Heritage Aboriginal Affairs branch.
"The Aboriginal Sport Circle is honoured to ratify our ongoing partnership agreement with Canadian Heritage," said Lyle Daniels, Chair of the Aboriginal Sport Circle. "This is an excellent first step toward ensuring that the Aboriginal sport community's issues are addressed."
The Policy on Aboriginal Peoples' Participation in Sport builds on the vision of the Canadian Sport Policy for a more inclusive sport system. The $12 million will support programs to increase sport participation for Aboriginal persons, including elements of federal-provincial/territorial agreements on sport and sport participation programs run by national sport and multi-service organizations. The investment will also support key areas of improvement, such as coaching, athlete development, and sport participation activities.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with the Aboriginal sport community, other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments, and national and multi-service sport organizations to successfully implement the Policy.
The Canadian Sport Policy identifies increased participation as one of the key areas for improvement in Canada's sport system. The goal of both the Canadian Sport Policy and the Policy on Aboriginal Peoples' Participation in Sport is to build a more integrated and harmonious environment to improve the sport experience and increase opportunities for Canadians to compete successfully at the highest levels of international competition.
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system.
A total of $140 million is being provided in 2005-2006 for initiatives to support our high-performance athletes and to increase Canadians' participation in sport. The year 2005 has been designated the International Year of Sport and Physical Education by the United Nations.
To learn more about the various programs offered by the Government of Canada in the area of sport, please visit the Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/sportcanada
Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget.
Information:
Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and
Minister of State (Sport)
(613) 954-1110
Myriam Brochu
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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