CHARLOTTETOWN, August 21, 2006 - The Honourable Michael Chong, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport, today announced an additional investment of $3 million for the 2009 Canada Summer Games. This funding, from existing resources, is designed to cover operational costs, including the day-to-day expenses of running the organization such as salaries and purchasing equipment. The Games will be held at various locations throughout Prince Edward Island from August 15 to 29, 2009.
"Canada's new Government is pleased to announce this additional contribution of $3 million to help Prince Edward Island make these province-wide Canada Summer Games an outstanding success," said Minister Chong. "These Games provide young Canadians with an opportunity to develop their abilities and will give them the experience they need to compete for Canada at the international level. The Games also strengthen communities and build legacies for future generations."
In addition, the Hon. Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced $2 million in support of capital costs for the 2009 Canada Summer Games.
"This investment in the Summer Games," said Minister MacKay, "represents a significant commitment to the Province and the region by Canada's new government - a commitment that will leave a lasting legacy of sport facilities for communities across the island."
"This will be the first opportunity for our province to host the Summer Games and it will be our honour to host this prestigious Canadian sporting event," said the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island. "Prince Edward Island is famous for its people, its scenery, and its dedicated and talented volunteers. We have the ability to host a unique and successful Summer Games and we look forward to this wonderful opportunity."
The 2009 Canada Summer Games will mark the return of the Games to Prince Edward Island. The Winter Games were held there in 1991. The Games will bring together athletes from all across the country to compete in a total of 17 disciplines. Today's announcement brings the federal contribution to date for the 2009 Canada Summer Games in Prince Edward Island to $10.9 million.
The Canada Games are the country's largest multi-sport event and are the pinnacle of interprovincial and interterritorial sport competition. The Games are held at two-year intervals, alternating between winter and summer.
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. A total of $140 million is provided annually for initiatives to support our high-performance athletes and to increase Canadians' participation in sport. Information: Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport
613-943-1833
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
