REGINA, April 3, 2008 - The Government of Canada reaffirmed its support for increasing sport participation and enhancing opportunities for the participation of Aboriginal people in sport through a three-year Aboriginal sport bilateral ag greement with the Province of Saskatchewan.
The Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport), announced the bilateral agreement today at an event in Regina. Also taking part in the event was the Honourable Christine Tell, Saskatchewan Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport.
This agreement brings the total Government of Canada contribution to Saskatchewan to more than $1 million over three years. An existing contribution of $776,040 from the Government of Canada is already in place to support sport participation. An additional Aboriginal sport participation contribution of $281,000 is also being matched by Saskatchewan to sustain growth and enhance participation in sport fo r Aboriginal people in the province. The funding will assist the provincial government in delivering projects that include community sport, youth, and coaching development.
"These bilateral agreements will help increase sport participat ion in the province," said Secretary of State Guergis. "They will support initiatives that encourage children, young people, persons with disabilities, and Aboriginal peoples of Saskatchewan to increase their participation in sport and be more p hysically active."
"The agreement supports growth and enhanced participation of Saskatchewan Aboriginal people in sport," said Minister Tell. "The Aboriginal Sport Participation agreement will help increase the number of qualified Aboriginal coaches and officials, increase skill levels in Aboriginal athletes, and boost opportunities for participation in sport."
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. The Governme nt 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 fully 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 Communications and Parliamentary Affairs,
Office of the Honourable Helena Guergis, PC, MP
Secretary of S tate (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport)
613 944-1291
Janice Wilby
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
306 787-5781
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief,
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
