OTTAWA, November 18, 2005 -- The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Health Promotion, and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of State (Public Health), today signed a bilateral agreement on sport to increase participation in sport and physical activity. As part of the agreement, they announced more than $3 million in funding each, for a total of $6.1 million over four years, to support initiatives across Ontario that target youth, Aboriginal persons and students.
"Participation in sport at an early age teaches children and young people important life skills and values and leads to a lifetime of involvement in physical activity," said Minister Owen. "This agreement will create fun opportunities for Ontario's young people to experience the health and social benefits of sport and physical activity."
"This agreement will go a long way to encourage Ontarians, specifically youth, to lead healthier lives and become active in sport and recreation programs," said Minister Watson. "Studies have shown that improving participation in sport and other forms of physical activity will not only improve the health of Ontarians but as a result, the health of our economy as well."
"Our goal is for young Ontarians to strengthen core skills and develop a life-long involvement in physical activity and sport participation," said Minister of State Bennett. "This significant investment in the health of Ontario's young people demonstrates that both governments recognize the direct connection between physical activity, sport participation, and healthy communities."
Initiatives under the bilateral agreement are aimed at developing provincial athletes, improving the quality of coaching, and increasing leadership skills within the Aboriginal community through Aboriginal sport programs.
The Canada-Ontario partnership is an initiative under the Canadian Sport Policy. The Policy, endorsed by all federal, provincial, and territorial governments in 2002, targets participation as one of the key areas for improvement in Canada's sport system. It sets a goal to improve participation in quality sport activities, in all segments of society, by 2012. Bilateral agreements under the Policy have been established with all provinces and territories.
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. A total of $140 million was announced in the 2005-2006 budget for initiatives that support our high-performance athletes and increase Canadians' participation in sport.
Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport)
(613) 954-1110
Tricia Geddes
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Public Health)
(613) 941-8081
Rui Manuel Estevão
Office of the Ontario Minister of
Health Promotion
(416) 326-8497
Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
