Harper Government Supports Sport Development and Participation in Saskatchewan

SASKATOON, May 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), and the Honourable Kevin Doherty, Saskatchewan Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, today announced the Government of Canada's and Government of Saskatchewan's contribution to sport development and participation in Saskatchewan.

"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."

"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this important initiative," said Minister Doherty. "Part of my ministry's mandate is to promote healthy, active families through sport, and this agreement certainly helps us achieve that. Our growing population means that more people than ever before are seeking out opportunities to participate in sport. This agreement will help ensure that sports are accessible to everyone. I want to thank our delivery and funding partner, Sask Sport, for the work that they, and their vast volunteer network, do for sport in our province."

"We are pleased that a new bilateral agreement is in place to increase the opportunities for under-represented groups to participate in sport across the province," said Nada Gorman, President of Sask Sport Inc. "The benefits of sport are far reaching, and the funding will enable us to continue and enhance essential sport programming."

The 3-year renewed bilateral agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan was recently approved with a federal investment of $909,909 ($303,303 per year). Canada's contribution is conditional to a matching contribution from Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan, through Sask Sport, plans to contribute up to $2,428,086 ($592,747 in 2012-13; $943,097 in 2013-14; $892,242 in 2014-15) during the 3 year agreement for a total of $3,337,995.

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