Building Canada Strong through sport: Secretary of State van Koeverden unveils vision to strengthen Canada's sport system as the Playground to Podium Summit opens in Ottawa

The Government of Canada launches From Playground to Podium, outlining its sport vision as leaders from the sport, private industry and philanthropy sectors are set gather in Ottawa and usher in a new era of Canadian sport.

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- Building on the momentum of Canada's unforgettable Year of Sport, more than 300 leaders from the sport, private industry and philanthropic sectors are coming together to usher in a new era of Canadian sport.

Today, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), opens Canada Strong through sport: The Playground to Podium Summit in Ottawa and launches From Playground to Podium, the Government of Canada's vision to strengthen the Canadian sport system.

Backed by a commitment in sport of more than $2.5 billion, the largest in our nation's history, From Playground to Podium sets out five pillars to drive transformational change: build, protect, participate, perform and host.

Over the next two days, summit participants will help shape a stronger, more connected Canadian sport system--one that attracts investment; drives transformation and alignment; and creates more opportunities for Canadians of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate and succeed in sport.

Talent is everywhere in Canada. Opportunity should be, too.

Delivering on this ambitious vision requires us to work together to transform the Canadian sport system. This is a moment for collaboration, to unite and play for the same team: Team Canada; in true partnership, we're building Canada Strong through sport, from the playground to the podium.

Quotes

"Talent is everywhere in Canada. Opportunity should be, too. From Playground to Podium sets out a vision to strengthen the Canadian sport system through five pillars: build, protect, participate, perform and host. This is a new era for Canadian sport and a defining moment for change. Today's summit brings together leaders from across the sport system, private industry and philanthropy to advance this work as one team: Team Canada. It's about doing things differently and delivering results for Canadians; together, we are building Canada Strong through sport, from the playground to the podium."

--The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)

Quick Facts

This announcement is part of the Government of Canada's generational commitment of more than $2.5 billion to improve access to sport; continue hosting world-class events; upgrade stadiums, fields and community recreation facilities; and help athletes succeed from the playground to the podium.

The Spring Economic Update 2026 provided $755 million over five years, starting in 2026–27, and $118 million on a permanent basis, to Canadian Heritage to help Canada's sport system:

• Host and compete with the best: $50 million over five years to bring more world-class sporting events to Canada. Funding will be tied to legacy-building projects that deliver lasting benefits well beyond the events themselves. Facilities built or upgraded for major events will continue to serve communities, support grassroots participation and strengthen local sport systems for years to come.
• Support our athletes and the next generation in performing at the highest levels: $45 million over five years and $8 million ongoing to help our athletes train, compete and perform, including support for better mental health and funding that will be linked to robust safe sport measures and frameworks. These actions will strengthen the sport system and respond to some of the findings of the Final Report of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission while the government continues to consider all of its recommendations.
• Get more Canadians involved in sport: $660 million over five years and $110 million ongoing for sport organizations, increasing funding that has remained largely unchanged since 2005, so that they can invest in a strong and safe sport system and grow participation among children and youth nationwide. We want sport organizations to work with private sector partners who share the goal of getting more Canadians involved in sport. We also expect sport organizations to make changes to their programming to invest in sport at all levels.

Through the Build Communities Strong Fund, the Government of Canada is investing up to $250 million in key sport and recreation infrastructure projects.

Budget 2026 proposes:

• An additional $1.5 billion over nine years through the Build Communities Strong Fund to support the construction, expansion, retrofit, and rehabilitation of community recreational facilities and ice rinks across Canada. This includes $750 million for the ice rinks and $750 million in additional funding for other community recreational facilities. These investments will help extend the life of aging facilities and ensure communities have modern, welcoming places to come together, compete, and play.
• $16 million over four years for the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program to support Indigenous-led sport and recreation and support Indigenous community well-being through sport.
• $16 million over four years to renew support for the Canadian Safe Sport Program to help prevent and address maltreatment in sport and support safe sport environments for all participants.

Related Products

Secretary of State van Koeverden announces Canada Strong through sport: The Playground to Podium Summit

Associated Links

• From Playground to Podium
• Canada Strong through sport: The Playground to Podium Summit

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SOURCE Canadian Heritage

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Bahoz Dara Aziz, Director of Communications, Office of the Secretary of State (Sport), [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]