Minister Chong Reaffirms Canada's Support for Commonwealth Games
OTTAWA, May 30, 2006 - Michael Chong, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport, reaffirmed Canada's role as a leader in the Commonwealth at the Sixth Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting. He took the opportunity to promote Halifax's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games."The Government of Canada is using every opportunity, including the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting, to promote Halifax's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games," said Minister Chong. "Hosting international sport events has significant social, cultural, and economic benefits for Canada."
Youth Ministers and senior officials from over 45 Commonwealth countries gathered in Nassau, Bahamas for the Sixth Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting. The theme of the meeting was "Youth Empowerment for the Eradication of Poverty, Crime, and HIV/AIDS". Minister Chong attended the meeting on behalf of Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia.
"The Commonwealth Games promote friendship between nations and provide opportunities to strengthen sport development programs," said Minister Chong. "The Games also highlight the role that sport plays in social and individual development and in promoting healthy living."
"Canada recognizes the vital contribution that sport makes to international development," added Minister Chong. "Sport brings people of all backgrounds together and can therefore be an effective part of addressing social development issues."
Commonwealth Games Canada has selected Halifax as the Canadian candidate city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games Federation will select the host city in October 2007. Minister Chong met with delegations from 24 Commonwealth countries to reinforce Canada's interest in hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014, to raise awareness of the 2014 Halifax bid, and to solicit their support.
Information:
Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister for Sport
613 943-1833
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 997-9314
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