Statement by Minister Duncan on the Closing of the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer

Statement

RED DEER, Alberta, March 3, 2019

As the 2019 Canada Winter Games come to a close, I invite all Canadians to join me in celebrating the outstanding performances of our athletes during the competitions over the past two weeks in Red Deer. I also invite you to join me in applauding the efforts of all of those who organized this event.

Once again, the Canada Games have provided all participants, visitors and home viewers with an unforgettable experience and have inspired and motivated Canada’s next generation of athletes. Whether the participants in these Games go on to become members of national teams—as many do—or have this event as the pinnacle of their sporting experience, these Games have provided invaluable experience and will leave lasting memories.

The Canada Games never fail to leave important legacies and impacts, and these Games in Red Deer have been no different. In preparing to host these Games, Red Deer saw tremendous economic and community development. The support and encouragement from the local community—from governments to businesses to volunteers—was outstanding, and resulted in a wonderful showcase for Canada’s young athletes and for the community of Red Deer.

On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I congratulate all the athletes—as well as the coaches, officials and all those who supported them—on their performances, and wish them the very best in their future endeavors. Thank you also to all the organizers and volunteers for your exceptional efforts in contributing to this tremendous event.

We can now look ahead to the 28^th edition of the Canada Games, which will take place in the Niagara Region in 2021.