Minister Emerson on the occasion of the Olympic flag raising ceremony in Vancouver

Vancouver, February 28, 2006

By David Emerson
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics

Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, David Emerson, today issued the following statement on the occasion of the Olympic flag raising ceremony in Vancouver:

"Today we are celebrating the beginning of Canada's Olympiad. The flag raising ceremony is a proud Olympic tradition that signals the beginning of Canada's responsibility to host the next Winter Games.

We saw the tremendous success of our athletes and coaches at the Torino Games, and we should all be very proud of the level of excellence and class that our athletes demonstrated during the event. I am confident we'll be able to build on this success for Canada's Games in 2010.

As we've seen over the past couple of weeks, the Olympic Games hold tremendous power and potential by bringing countries together in a spirit of competition and sportsmanship.

We now look ahead to 2010 as an opportunity to showcase British Columbia and Canada to the world. There is lot of planning and preparation ahead of us, but I know that we are up to the challenge. I have no doubt that we will put together a world class event.

With $497 million in federal funds, the Government of Canada is committed to the success of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. And we will work with our partners to deliver the best possible Games.

Congratulations to Team Canada on its great success in Turin. Good luck to our Paralympic athletes, and let's look forward to 2010 as Canada's turn on the world stage."

Information:

Jennifer Chiu
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613 371-1557

Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 997-9314

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