Chaleur Region of New Brunswick Selected as the Site for 2003 Canada Winter Games
BATHURST, February 9, 1999 -- On behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps and Canada Games Council Chairman Jack Pelech, Federal Labour Minister Claudette Bradshaw and Canada Games Council President and CEO Lane MacAdam, today announced that the Chaleur Region of New Brunswick would host the 2003 Canada Winter Games. Premier Camille Thériault, New Brunswick Minister of Finance, Edmond Blanchard, and New Brunswick Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Marcelle Mersereau, were in attendance at the announcement.In congratulating the Chaleur region, Minister Bradshaw explained the importance of the Canada Games -- the largest multi-sport event held in the country. "The Government of Canada is a proud supporter of the Canada Games because they allow the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government to work in partnership along with sport organizations and the private sector to bring together our best young athletes from across the country. These Games help develop young athletes and strengthen the Canadian sport system." The Department of Canadian Heritage is responsible for amateur sports in Canada.
Mr. MacAdam also congratulated the winning region and spoke about the history and tradition of the Games. "The staging of the Canada Games in the Chaleur region will mark the tenth edition of the Winter Games since they began in Quebec City in 1967. The Canada Games Council is confident that the people of the Chaleur region will continue in the tradition of past host communities in warmly welcoming thousands of participants and visitors to this region of New Brunswick in 2003."
The 2003 Games are expected to involve 21 sports and close to 3,800 participants including athletes, coaches and officials.
New Brunswick Premier Camille Thériault was on hand at the announcement to express strong provincial support for the decision. "I am very proud of the effort the people of the Chaleur region have dedicated to securing the 2003 Canada Winter Games," said Thériault. "This bodes well for a very successful event -- one that will bring considerable economic and social benefits to the region and well beyond. I sincerely thank all the partners who have made this possible."
The Chaleur region of New Brunswick is located in the northern part of the province near the Bay of Chaleur. The cities of Bathurst and Campbellton will share most of the hosting duties throughout the Games.
The Games were awarded to New Brunswick as part of a rotational cycle which sees all provinces and territories given an opportunity to host. The Chaleur region was the only site selected within New Brunswick to vie for the 2003 Games. The site underwent a thorough inspection and evaluation by the Canada Games Council before the decision was made to award the Games to that region. The cities of Campbellton and Bathurst, and the Chaleur Bid Committee provided financial assistance towards the preparation of the bid proposal. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of New Brunswick, also invested in this project through the Canada/New Brunswick Regional Economic Development Agreement (REDA).
The 2003 Canada Winter Games will follow the upcoming Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador between February 20 and March 6, 1999 and the 2001 Canada Summer Games which will be held in London, Ontario from August 11 to 25, 2001.
Information:
Paul Soucy
Communications
Department of Canadian Heritage
Moncton, N.B.
(506) 851-3980
Catherine Gagnaire
Communications Asisstant
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Lane MacAdam
President and CEO
Canada Games Council
(613) 748-5799
Cellular: (613) 724-6995
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