Government of Canada investments in women’s sport to spur economic growth and community engagement

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

The Government of Canada announces its intent to invest up to $5.45 million towards the growth of the Northern Super League at the NSL Final in Toronto

November 15, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario

Sport connects us all, fostering a sense of community and shared pride while bringing people together and contributing to local economies. Today marks a defining moment for Canadian sport as the Northern Super League (NSL)—Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league—hosts the NSL Final at BMO Field in Toronto. Following an exciting season, the NSL has captured the hearts of fans and inspired a new generation of athletes.

NSL’s Final is not only a celebration of athletic excellence but also of community, economic impact and opportunity, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad, boosting local businesses and showcasing women’s sport on an international stage. The event caps off a three-day celebration of Canadian talent, with fan festivals, community programming, and the much-anticipated championship match, that is being delivered with support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Before the game today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario was joined by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions; the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada; and the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), who met with the NSL to announce that the agencies have entered into discussions with the League to assess its needs to support the growth of women’s professional soccer in Canada and position Canada as a global leader in this growing industry.

Today’s announcement reflects Canada’s Regional Development Agencies working together to support the growth of women’s professional sport across the country. By coordinating their efforts, the RDAs are helping strengthen communities, boost local economies, and contribute to a cross-Canada league that is creating new opportunities on and off the field.

This could represent a combined investment of up to $5.45 million to deliver transformative upgrades for facilities used by the league across the country. Each RDA would use the tools available under its existing programs, contributing to a coherent, pan-Canadian approach. Additional opportunities to support targeted community infrastructure that advances NSL’s growth and regional economic development across Canada will also be explored.

The Government of Canada is building a strong Canada by making investments that strengthen our communities, grow local economies and support projects that are inclusive of all Canadians.

Quotes

“Today represents progress, not only on the field, but for our economy and our communities. The Northern Super League is changing the game for women in sport, inspiring communities and strengthening our economy. Our government is proud to have supported this incredible event and to be investing in the continued growth of the league.”
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Women’s sport is rising on the world stage—and Canada is ready to lead. The Northern Super League brings jobs, tourism, and investment to our communities, while empowering youth through the power of sport. By engaging with the Montréal Roses at this pivotal moment to offer our support, we’re helping make Montréal and Canada premier destinations for world-class women’s soccer.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Investing in women’s sport builds stronger, more dynamic communities. The Northern Super League is proving what happens when women hit the pitch, Canada is coming together to rally behind six exciting teams that have captured our attention. This investment will boost local economies, ignite ambition in young athletes across the country, and ensure women have the powerful platform they deserve to compete and excel at the highest level. Our government is backing a future where women’s sport isn’t an afterthought — it’s a force driving Canada forward.”
- The Honorable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

“The Northern Super League represents more than a championship – it’s a powerful symbol of progress for Canadian sport and community. Supporting initiatives like the NSL means creating pathways for athletes, empowering the next generation, and strengthening communities and local economies from coast to coast.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

"The incredible growth of women's sport, brilliantly highlighted by the Northern Super League's inaugural final today, clearly demonstrates its power to drive our economy, unite us, and showcase Canada's strengths. We are building Canada Strong, and this investment is creating new opportunities, and building a Canada that leads in women's sport from playground, to podium, to professional."
- The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)

“At the NSL, we’re focused on building pathways that turn dreams into reality and fuel the growth of the women’s sport industry in Canada. We’re proud to build alongside partners like the Government of Canada who share that vision. Sport has an important role to play as we invest in Canada’s future – and women’s sport, one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, is proud to invest and build in communities across the country."
- Diana Matheson, Founder and Chief Growth Officer, Northern Super League

Quick facts

The Northern Super League is Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league with six founding clubs: Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, Calgary Wild FC and Vancouver Rise FC. Built by players and supporters, the League is rooted in global best practices and strives to champion Canadian excellence in sport, equity, and inclusion.
The Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, announced $180,000 in support for the NSL’s inaugural championship event, taking place November 13-15, 2025. The championship weekend is expected to attract thousands of visitors and generate significant economic activity for the Greater Toronto Area.

Associated links

Contacts

Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca

Isabella Orozco-Madison
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
isabella.orozco-madison@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
media@dec-ced.gc.ca

Media Relations
PacifiCan
pac.media-medias@pacifican.gc.ca

Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Prairies Economic Development Canada
wd.media-medias.deo@prairiescan.gc.ca