MONTRÉAL, May 8, 2009 - The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), and the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), today took action to keep the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Headquarters in Montréal for another ten years.
John Fahey, WADA Chair, and André Gamache, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montréal International, also participated in the signing at WADA Headquarters which extends the original agreement to 2021, with $1 million per year in federal funding.
"WADA and Canada will continue to be partners in the global fight against doping in sport," said Minister of State Lunn. "We have proudly supported WADA since it was first created and we will continue to do so. By keeping WADA Headquarters in Canada, we are not only supporting fair play in sport, but also deepening our commitment to a world-class scientific community in Montréal."
"Canada Economic Development is pleased to renew its financial support for WADA," said Minister of State Lebel. "This funding allows the organization to keep its headquarters in Montréal until 2021. WADA's presence here contributes to the city's international reputation as a centre for business and knowledge."
"Montréal International is very pleased that its agreement with WADA has been extended for 10 more years. WADA's decision to keep its headquarters in Montréal is a reflection of what our city has to offer," said Mr. Gamache. "In addition to the financial contributions that we manage on behalf of governmental partners, we also make our services available to WADA's international staff, who are a leading force in the scientific, legal, technical, and communications aspects of anti-doping in sport."
"WADA is pleased at this clear commitment of long-term support from the governments of Canada and Quebec, through their partnership in Montréal International," said Mr. Fahey. "Montréal has proven itself to be an ideal location for our headquarters, and we are happy to remain here. Our staff members enjoy the unique characteristics that make Montréal an international, multicultural city and an enjoyable place to work and to live."
WADA is an independent international agency that the Olympic Movement-led by the International Olympic Committee-and governments established jointly in 1999 to promote ethical conduct and harmonize the global fight against doping in sport.
Canada's financial commitment to WADA headquarters is two-fold: the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec contributes approximately $1 million per year, while the Province of Quebec, through the ministère des Relations internationales, contributes approximately $500,000 per year. These contributions are managed by Montréal International, an organization whose mission is to sustain and promote the international development of the Montréal region and attract international organizations to the area.
In addition, the Government of Canada, through the Department of Canadian Heritage, provided $1.1 million in 2008-2009 as Canada's annual contribution to WADA's operating budget. Governmental contributions to WADA's operational budget are matched by the Olympic Movement.
Canada remains a leader in the worldwide fight against doping in sport and is committed to working with WADA through the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport, along with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (an independent, non-profit organization), and with other nations and stakeholders around the world to advance the values of fair and ethical sport, including doping-free sport.
Information:
Michelle Yao
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1131
Catherine Vallée
Communications
Canada Economic Development
514-283-0368
catherine.vallee@dec-ced.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
Éric Lefebvre
Senior Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Cell.: 613-608-7906
eric.lefebvre@dec-ced.gc.ca
