VANCOUVER, February 12, 2010 - The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), today announced that the Government of Canada is confirming its funding to the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) for 2010. The Government of Canada will also provide funding of $95,000 to the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) for the administration of its regional operations that will strengthen its capacity in the fight against doping. The Caribbean RADO is based in Barbados and facilitates the provision of anti-doping programs and services in sport to 14 Caribbean countries in the region.
"Our Government is pleased to continue its partnership with WADA and to confirm that on top of our annual contribution to the Agency, we will provide additional support of $95,000 to the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization," said Minister of State Lunn. "This financial support will help them provide important anti-doping services in sport for their region in the Americas."
WADA is an independent international agency that was jointly established in 1999 by governments and the Olympic Movement, led by the International Olympic Committee, to promote ethical conduct and harmonize the global fight against doping in sport.
For 2010, the Government of Canada's contribution to WADA's annual operating budget, through the Department of Canadian Heritage, is US$938,950. All governmental contributions to WADA's annual budget are matched equally by the Olympic Movement.
Canada is a leader in the worldwide fight against doping in sport and is committed to working with Canada's independent non profit organization the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, WADA, and other nations and stakeholders around the world to advance the values of fair and ethical sport, including doping-free sport.
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1191
vanessa.schneider@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
