Government of Canada Supports Sport Development and Participation in British Columbia

VANCOUVER, July 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), and the Honourable Coralee Oakes, British Columbia Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, today announced the Government of Canada's and Government of British Columbia's contribution to sport development and participation in British Columbia.

"Working with provincial and territorial governments to advance important priorities for sport, physical activity, and recreation in Canada is something our Government is proud to do. We want to make sport participation a part of Canadians' everyday lives," said Minister of State Gosal. "Today's funding announcement clearly demonstrates that we are committed to working together with all levels of government to achieve this common goal. Sport participation and active living are important elements in keeping our communities and children healthy and active."

"While British Columbia has the most physically active population in Canada, there are still some people who face barriers to participating in sport," said Minister Oakes. "The BC Sport Participation Program is designed to reach those people. This partnership with Canada provides a broad range of 'learn to play'-type programs in every region of our province. We're proud to partner with the federal government to fund this important program."

The three-year renewed bilateral agreement with the Government of British Columbia was signed today with a federal investment of $1,429,995. Canada's contribution is conditional on a matching contribution from British Columbia. British Columbia plans to contribute up to $1,429,995 during the three-year agreement for a total of $2,859,990.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage