HALIFAX, March 28, 2008 - The Province of Nova Scotia will have the honour of hosting the Canada Games for the third time in 2011, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Halifax Regional l Municipality (HRM).
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Sport), today announced funding that will enable Halifax to host the 2011 Canada Winter Games.
Minister MacKay announced a federal contribution of up to $11.12 million at an event held at Halifax City Hall, accompanied by Barry Barnet, N ova Scotia Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, Peter Kelly, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, Jean-Paul Deveau, Chair of the Halifax 2011 Canada Games Host Society, and Sue Hylland, CEO of the Canada Games Council.
"Th e Government of Canada is pleased to announce this contribution to help the Halifax Regional Municipality in its preparations to host the 2011 Canada Winter Games," said Secretary of State Guergis. "Sport events, such as the Winter Games, bring direct economic benefits to the host region while also showing the world our sporting excellence and cultural diversity."
"These Games provide young Canadians with an opportunity to develop their abilities and give them the experien ce they need to compete for Canada at the international level. The Games will also strengthen the Halifax Regional Municipality and build legacies for future generations," said Minister MacKay.
"Nova Scotia is proud to join our fede ral and municipal partners to announce the provincial investment of $11.12 million for the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax," said Minister Barnet. "Nova Scotia will host the best Canada Winter Games possible, and we look forward to working w ith our partners to make the most of this opportunity for the province, which includes leaving a lasting sport and cultural legacy to benefit all Nova Scotians."
"Our investment today will pay dividends for generations to come, whet her it's through new or improved facilities and increased tourism revenue, or from exposure for Halifax Regional Municipality and the promotion of sport and healthy lifestyles," said Mayor Peter Kelly. "Most importantly, with the generous suppor t of our federal and provincial partners, Halifax Regional Municipality will host the best Canada Games ever, giving our young Canadian athletes the experience of a lifetime and leaving a lasting legacy."
"As each Canada Games is aw arded, managed and delivered, entire communities are empowered to rally and organize a national event, which has the ultimate impact on Canada's next generation of national and international champions," said Sue Hylland, President and CEO of the Cana da Games Council. "Today's announcement not only celebrates the Government parties' dedication through funding contributions, it signals the 2011 Canada Games Host Society's ability to plan with confidence and work towards delivering new milestones f or the Canada Games."
"This event would not be possible without the generous support from the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Regional Municipality," said Jean-Paul Deveau, Chair of the Halifax 2011 Canada Games Host Society. "We are very grateful for their support and look forward to showcasing the hospitality, charm and spirit of our community when the Games take place in February 2011."
The Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia are supporting the 2011 Canada Games using a financial cost-sharing arrangement in accordance with Sport Canada's Hosting Program. Both the federal and provincial governments will contribute $8.12 million for operating costs and $3 million towards capital costs, up to $11.12 million each. The Halifax Regional Municipality will contribute $6.85 million towards capital costs and up to $2 million in operating support.
Previous Games were held in Nova Scotia in the summ er of 1969, in Halifax, and in the winter of 1987, in Sydney. The Games will bring together athletes, coaches and supporters from all across the country to compete in a total of 20 sport events.
The Canada Games are the country's largest mult i-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, supporting participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. The Government of Canada's investment in the Canadian sport system will grow to an all-time high of over $164 million annually once the Budget 2008 commitment is fu lly implemented. This provides funding for initiatives to support our high-performance athletes and to promote sport participation among all Canadians.
Information: Blair MacLean
Director of Communicati ons and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Honourable
Helena Guergis, P.C., M.P.
Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport)
613 944-1291
Donald Boulanger
Chief, Media Relations
C anadian Heritage
819 994-9101
Lucas Wide
Communications Officer
Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection
902 424-7558
widela@gov.ns.ca Mayor Peter Kelly
Halifax Regional Municipality
902 490-4010
Patrick Kenny
Director of Marketing and Communications
Canada Games Council
613 295 7160
Chris Morrissey
Chief Executive Officer
Halifax 2011 Can ada Games Host Society
902 490-7460
morrisc@canadagames2011.ca
