Government of Canada increases amateur sport funding to an all time high
QUEBEC CITY / TORONTO, May 14, 2004 -- Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Stan Keyes and Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, today announced an investment of $20 million for one year to the Canadian sport system for high performance athletes.Today's announcement of $20M is in addition to the $30M announced recently in the federal Budget. This brings the total investment in the Canadian sport system by the Government of Canada to $120 million for 2004-2005 - its highest level ever.
"The Government of Canada is dedicated to supporting Canada's athletes and coaches in their achievement of excellence in sport," stated Minister Keyes. "The hard work and solid partnerships that exist between governments and the sport community have enabled us to build a strong sport system in Canada. I am pleased to announce this new investment in high performance sport that brings our level of support to an all time high."
This funding will be targeted to sports in which athletes have the potential to achieve podium results. The resources will be used to strengthen ongoing athlete development by supporting coaches, sport organizations, training centres and other elements important to the development of a high performance athlete such as travel costs.
This new support for high performance athletes with podium potential is over and above the ongoing sport programs which support the goals of participation and excellence outlined in the Canadian Sport Policy.
"Partnerships form the basis of Canada's sport system. The Government of Canada will continue to work with provincial and territorial governments and the sport community to build on these successful partnerships as we work towards a culture of excellence within Canada's sport system," said Canadian Heritage Minister Chalifour Scherrer.
Today's funding announcement is a significant step in advancing the vision of the Canadian Sport Policy by providing resources necessary for the development of amateur sport in Canada. The Policy, unanimously endorsed by the federal, provincial and territorial governments in April 2002, is the blueprint for Canada's sport system.
In April, 2004, Minister Keyes, Minister Chalifour Scherrer, along with Environment Minister David Anderson and Minister of State (Public Health) Carolyn Bennett met with the sport community for a series of roundtable discussions in order to develop a concrete action plan for future targeted investments in high performance sport.
Information:
Caroline Jacques
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (Sport)
(613) 761-8569
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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