The Government of Canada will help stage the third largest sporting event in the world when B.C. welcomes visitors to the World Police and Fire Games from July 31-August 9, 2009, thanks to funding from Western Economic Diversification. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
"Our Government will always be proud to support the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe,
" said Minister of State Yelich. "Not only is today's announcement great news for our first responders, but the economic spinoffs from the Games could see $50 million injected into British Columbia's economy.
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Funding will support costs associated with hosting the 2009 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG). The 12,000 participants represent law enforcement, customs, corrections, and fire and emergency service personnel from around the world.
Funding will also assist the WPFG to develop a Congress and Trade Expo to take place in the Lower Mainland. The trade expo will give Canadian first responders and security industry suppliers the opportunity to showcase their products and services. Planned discussions include pre-event security, as well as critical incident and response planning for major events. International buyers and decision makers will be present, creating business opportunities for Canadian based companies to procure contracts from around the world.
Western Economic Diversification is providing almost $2.3 million in funding to support the Games: $1,794,685 will support the WPFG, while $500,000 will fund the accompanying Congress and Trade Expo.
"The 2009 World Police and Fire Games are tremendously appreciative of this significant funding and support from the Government of Canada,
" said Stuart Ballantyne, CEO, 2009 World Police and Fire Games. "This funding allows us to make these Games a great spectacle and showcases the caliber of people and facilities our country, our province and the region boast to the more than 30,000 police and fire professionals and their families who'll be visiting from around the world.
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Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, contact:
Lisa Hutniak
Minister's Office
Western Economic Diversification
Lisa.Hutniak@wd.gc.ca
Stuart Ballantyne
Chief Executive Officer
2009 World Police and Fire Games
Tel: (604) 659-2009
