Minister Diab highlights sport investments from Spring Economic Update 2026: Canada Strong for All to build stronger and safer communities

HALIFAX, NS , May 2, 2026 /CNW/ - In Budget 2025, the Government of Canada outlined its plan to build Canada strong. Since then, we have moved fast to build the major infrastructure, homes and industries that grow Canada's economy and create lasting prosperity; empower Canadians with better careers and a more affordable life; and protect our communities, our borders and our way of life.

We delivered concrete savings for Canadians while supporting key national priorities and keeping investments focused on results. We are maintaining a strong fiscal position, with the Spring Economic Update 2026 showing that projected deficits are lower over the fiscal horizon and that we are on track to meet our fiscal anchors

The Spring Economic Update 2026 is the next step in our plan to build Canada Strong for All. It provides a clear update on the strength of Canada's economy, giving Canadians confidence in our plan. It delivers targeted relief to make life more affordable, support workers, and accelerate the construction of homes and major infrastructure. It also strengthens Canada's competitiveness and economic growth while investing in strong, safe communities across the country.

Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, highlighted key sport investments from the Spring Economic Update to build stronger and safer communities.

The Government of Canada is investing $755 million to expand access to sport, creating opportunities for Canadians to build meaningful relationships in their communities, making full use of existing and new infrastructure, and supporting Canada's world class athletes who inspire pride and unity, as we celebrate their accomplishments as a country.

As part of this investment, the Mayflower Curling Club will receive $4 million to support the construction of a new, modern, accessible facility. This project will help grow the sport, remove barriers to participation and create an inclusive space where Canadians of all backgrounds and abilities can get involved and stay active.

Canada's new government is transforming our economy from reliance to resilience. The Spring Economic Update 2026 ensures all Canadians can participate in building Canada strong and share in its success. Other key measures include:

• The Canada Strong Fund--Canada's first national sovereign wealth fund. This will invest in key, strategic Canadian projects and companies. While Canadians will benefit from these nation-building projects through jobs, economic growth and greater security, the government is determined to ensure that Canadians also have a stake in the projects themselves. That's why a unique and important feature of the Canada Strong Fund will be its new retail investment product. This allows Canadians to receive financial returns as we build Canada strong together.
   
• Team Canada Strong--a new nationwide effort to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new skilled trade workers by 2030–31. This initiative creates new opportunities for Canadians and attracts the workers needed to build more homes and major projects at speed and at scale.
   
• Building Stronger Communities--by making communities safer, more connected and more resilient. We are building more homes, getting tougher on crime and fraud, and funding essential infrastructure, including small-craft harbours that sustain coastal communities and local jobs. We are also investing to build healthier, safer and stronger Indigenous communities.

Canada's new government is building a Canada that is not just strong, but good; not just prosperous, but fair; a Canada that is not just for some, most of the time, but for all, at all times. We're building Canada strong for all.

Quotes

"The Spring Economic Update 2026 builds on the momentum of our budget, combining strategic investments with sustained fiscal discipline to keep building Canada Strong for All – delivering prosperity today and strengthening our economy for tomorrow. At this pivotal moment in Canada's history, we're charting a course through the fog of uncertainty and global headwinds with strength, determination and ambition--and building one strong Canadian economy, by Canadians, for Canadians." 

 --The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue

"This is a generational investment in sport because sport is about more than competition. It is about belonging, physical activity, confidence and opportunity. From the playground to the podium, we are expanding access to sport so more Canadians can participate in their communities, while ensuring our athletes have the support they need to train, compete and succeed. Sport is one of our greatest nation builders, and these investments will help build a stronger Canada, inspire the next generation and leave a lasting legacy for everyone." 

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

"Sport has the power to bring people together, build confidence and create a sense of belonging in every community across Canada. Our government is making meaningful investments to expand access to sport so that more Canadians--especially youth and newcomers--can participate, connect and thrive. These investments will help create stronger, safer and more inclusive communities across the country, while supporting the athletes who inspire us all. This is how we continue to build Canada Strong for All."

-- The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship 

Quick facts 

• The Spring Economic Update 2026 proposes to provide $755 million over five years, starting in 2026–27, and $118 million ongoing, to Canadian Heritage to support Canada's sport system to:             

• 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.
   

Related product 

• Spring Economic Update 2026: Canada Strong for All
• Spring Economic Update 2026: Key Measures
• Spring Economic Update 2026: Address by the Minister of Finance and National Revenue

SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Contacts for media only: Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]