Strengthening Canada–China Relations Through Sport
News Release
CHINA, July 14, 2017
Throughout the world, sport has the power to unite us, transform lives and build healthy communities.
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, were in Beijing from July 12 to 14, 2017.
During this trip, Minister Qualtrough signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the People’s Republic of China regarding the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which will allow for greater cooperation between the two countries leading up to the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing. It will allow for the sharing of best practices in the area of major games, and will open the door to exchanges between Canadian and Chinese sport organizations.
The MOU will also allow Canada to internationally promote its position on, and support for, the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as the inclusion and development of persons with a disability in sport. In turn, Canada will provide guidance regarding its successful programs in sports such as ice hockey, figure skating, curling and freestyle skiing.
In addition, the MOU supports the ongoing development and strengthening of Canada’s bilateral relations with China. Through the use of sport, Canada can collaborate with China on further activities that contribute to other Government of Canada priorities, such as trade and commercial objectives, and the promotion of human rights.
Quotes
“This visit to China has given the Government of Canada the opportunity to further strengthen ties with China and make progress in the area of winter sport. We look forward to ongoing cooperation with the People’s Republic of China as we share our knowledge and experience in winter sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
—The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
Quick Facts
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This MOU is non-binding under international law, but is a vehicle for facilitating cooperation between the two countries in the area of winter games and sports.
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The MOU facilitates exchanges with China for all sport organizations in Canada. It will be up to each organization to decide if and how they wish to benefit from this MOU.
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The MOU is supported by the China Disabled Persons’ Federation. It commits to the promotion of sport for persons with disabilities and the Paralympic movement in China.
Associated Links
Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
Ashley Michnowski
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
613-697-8016
ashley.michnowski@canada.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca