HALIFAX – Prime Minister Stephen Harper officially opened the Canada Winter Games in Halifax today, highlighting the benefits of sport for all Canadians.

“I know how hard all of you have worked to get this far. You should be proud of what you’ve achieved,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Coaches, sponsors, organizers and especially athletes, on behalf of our Government and all Canadians watching back home, I wish you good luck and a great games…and we will see you again in Sochi, Russia, 2014.”

Since the Canada Winter Games were first held in Quebec City in 1967, more than 100,000 athletes and coaches have participated.

Thirty-four former Canada Winter Games competitors won 16 medals at the XXI Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler, where Canada also won a record of 14 gold medals – the most ever by a Winter Olympics host country – including the first Canadian gold medal on home soil. 

The Harper Government recognizes the importance of sport and physical activity for all Canadians and is committed to keeping Canada a leading sport country. In the past few years our Government has:

Committed $500 million over two years through Canada's Economic Action Plan to build and renew thousands of community recreation facilities across Canada. Projects funded include several Canada Games sports facilities, such as those at Cape Breton University in Sydney, Nova Scotia, at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, and at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Created the Children's Fitness Tax Credit beginning in 2007 for parents who register their children in sporting and physical activity programs, promoting health and physical well-being.

Supported the hosting of national and international sporting events, including the Summer and Winter Canada Games, the 2012 Arctic Winter Games, the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championship in Saskatoon and the 2010 IAAF World Junior Championships in Moncton.

Provided $62 million in Budget 2010 to support Canada’s elite athletes and encourage participation in amateur sport.

The Canada Winter Games will take place from February 11-27, 2011.




Backgrounder

CANADA GAMES

The Canada Games are a national, multi-sport competition for young Canadian athletes, who represent their provinces and territories in 20 different sports, including sport events for athletes with a disability.  The Games have become a stepping stone for many of Canada’s celebrated athletes and Paralympic and Olympic champions, including: Hayley Wickenheiser, Steve Nash, and Sidney Crosby. 

First held in Quebec City in the winter of 1967, the Games have taken place every two years in Canada, alternating between the Canada Winter Games and the Canada Summer Games.  Since 1967, over 100,000 athletes and coaches have participated in the Games, which are now Canada’s largest multi-sport competition for young athletes.

About 2,700 of Canada’s best and brightest athletes will set their sights on Nova Scotia this year, as Halifax hosts the Canada Winter Games.  The Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, February 11 at the Halifax Metro Centre and the Closing Ceremony will occur on Sunday, February 27th. 

The Games will generate significant economic benefits, including business opportunities, new jobs, increased tourism and enhanced infrastructure and tax revenue.

The Games will also leave behind an extensive legacy for the sport community in the region, including the new $40 million Canada Games Centre, supported by our Government and its provincial and municipal partners.  Approximately $15 million in additional capital upgrades will be made to the region’s existing sporting facilities, which will benefit generations to come.

Supporting the Games is one of many initiatives the Harper Government is undertaking to help Canadians participate and excel in sport, and keep Canada a fit and leading sport country.  In the past few years, it has: committed $500 million through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to build and renew thousands of community recreation facilities across Canada; created the Children's Fitness Tax Credit; supported the hosting of national and international sporting events; and provided $62 million through our Own the Podium program to support Canada’s elite athletes and encourage participation in amateur sport.