Saint John ready to host 2022 Memorial Cup

News release

Federal support for national hockey tournament will energize the city and boost the economy

June 17, 2022 · Saint John, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Major sporting events draw guests from around the country, providing significant boosts to local economies. The 2022 Memorial Cup will highlight excellence in major junior hockey and the best in tourism and hospitality the City of Saint John has to offer, bringing economic benefits to the entire region.

Federal investment to support marketing and community activities

Today, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John – Rothesay, announced a non-repayable contribution of $1 million to the 2022 Memorial Cup taking place June 20-29, 2022.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This funding will support marketing, promotional and Fanfest activities such as the concert series and an outdoor ball hockey facility, as well as infrastructure including VIP tents, staging, lighting, press box upgrades, and wi-fi improvements. As the largest amateur hockey event in Canada, the event is expected to provide the business community with a boost of revenue and generate economic benefits for the entire downtown area.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to investing in events that support and stabilize communities as they rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Quotes

“Hosting national and international events like the Memorial Cup will help bring excitement back to our communities and contribute to Atlantic Canada’s economic success. We will continue to support our tourism sector as we look towards a successful tourism season.”
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

“I am looking forward to welcoming athletes and visitors to the wonderful City of Saint John for the 2022 Memorial Cup. Attracting visitors to world-class sporting events like this one means more overnight stays, meals in local restaurants and support for local businesses, boosting the economy of our entire region.”
-  Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John – Rothesay

“The opportunity to host the Memorial Cup in Saint John is a special occasion that rarely presents itself. When we submitted our bid to host this event, our vision was to stage an event that would showcase the region on a national scale and leave a lasting, positive impact that will be remembered for years to come. We are thrilled to have the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and this event would not be possible without that support. This is such an important event that will energize our local economy and the hospitality and tourism industry in our region.”
- Mark-Anthony Ashfield, Chair, Saint John Host Committee, Memorial Cup 

Quick facts

  • The Memorial Cup is the largest amateur hockey tournament in Canada. The tournament consists of the champions from each CHL division, which includes the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey Association and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. 

  • Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Dominique Bouchard
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Dominique.Bouchard@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Mark-Anthony Ashfield
Chair, Saint John Host Committee, Memorial Cup
506-663-6653

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