Secretary of State van Koeverden announces November supports to strengthen sport hosting in Canada
FrançaisCanada is the best sport-hosting nation in the world, and the Government of Canada is supporting international sporting events across the country, bringing our communities together and building Canada Strong from playground to podium.
GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 30, 2026 /CNW/ -- Sport is our ultimate nation-builder. It is a diplomatic asset and an engine of economic growth, and it brings Canadians together. As we celebrate Canada's Year of Sport, we continue to welcome the world and demonstrate we are the best sport-hosting nation.
Today, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced funding to support a series of international sporting events taking place across Canada:
- $249,000 to Rugby Canada for the WXV Toronto, that took place in Toronto, Ontario, on October 16
- $249,000 to Rugby Canada for the WXV Ottawa, that took place in Ottawa, Ontario, on October 23
- $75,000 to Judo Canada for the Montréal Pan American Cup/Open 2026, taking place in Montréal, Quebec, from November 3 to 11
- $50,000 to Hockey Canada for the 2026 Para Cup, taking place in Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador, from November 29 to December 5
This work is part of the Government of Canada's historic $1-billion investment in Canadian sport, the largest in our nation's history, to support Canadian athletes, strengthen sport infrastructure and increase participation.
Hosting the world's biggest sporting events shows the very best of Canada, boosts local tourism, strengthens our economy, and lets us cheer on Canadian athletes right here at home. It builds on our legacy, brings communities together and supports the next generation, from playground to podium.
Quotes
"Canada is the best sport-hosting nation in the world. As we celebrate 2026 as Canada's Year of Sport, we continue to welcome the world, highlighting the very best of Canada, boosting local tourism, strengthening our economy and cheering on Canadian athletes right here at home. It builds on our legacy, brings communities together and supports the next generation from playground to podium."
--The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)
Quick Facts
The Sport Canada Hosting Program supports international sporting competitions in Canada, such as world championships, Olympic and Paralympic qualification events, and world cups.
As the largest supporter of the country's sport system, the Government of Canada invests in the development of Canadian athletes, the national and multi-sport organizations that support them, and initiatives to host international sporting events in Canada.
This announcement is part of the Government of Canada's generational $1-billion investment 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.
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Government of Canada brings Canadians together through major international sport events – June 2026
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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]
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