Government of Canada Reaffirms Commitment to 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Revitalization of the Toronto Waterfront
OTTAWA, August 24, 2000 -- The Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Honourable David Collenette, Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Greater Toronto Area, today reaffirmed both the federal government's commitment to assist Toronto's bid to host the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the government's agreement in principle to support the revitalization of the Toronto waterfront."The Government of Canada has reiterated that it will provide essential services under its jurisdiction such as customs, immigration and security should Toronto's bid to host the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics be successful," said Ms. Copps. "The Olympic and Paralympic Games would give Canada's athletes the opportunity to compete against the best athletes in the world right here in Canada. Furthermore, the 2008 Games in Toronto would provide a legacy of economic, social, sport and cultural importance for all of Canada."
"The revitalization of the Toronto waterfront is a priority for the Government of Canada," said Mr. Collenette. "The waterfront is a rich resource for the citizens of Toronto and an area essential to the city's bid for the 2008 Olympic Games. All three levels of government are working together to resolve complicated issues such as soil remediation, new roads and utilities, future park locations and continuing port activities."
In the coming weeks, the federal government will begin consulting with port users and other stakeholders on the future of the Port of Toronto. These consultations will examine how to accommodate port activities and the Olympic and Paralympic needs as part of an effective waterfront revitalization initiative. Federal officials continue to work with representatives from the municipal and provincial governments to share information, identify resources and discuss options for this exciting project.
Contact:
Catherine Gagnaire
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Hull
(819) 994-5333
Anthony Polci
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700
Transport Canada is online at http://www.tc.gc.ca/
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