Canada’s athletes, including those participating in the Olympics, were not included in the federal government’s budget announcement on Tuesday, despite calls for increased funding by the Canadian Olympic Committee and national sport organizations. The budget, presented by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, did not allocate any new funds to sports, with the last increase in core federal funding for Canada’s 62 federally funded National Sport Organizations (NSOs) dating back to 2005. Core funding is crucial for the operations of sport organizations, supporting athletes, coaches, and staff.
In response, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee issued a joint statement advocating for federal investment in core funding for NSOs to enhance the Canadian sport system. They emphasized the significance of addressing the national sport infrastructure deficit to create active, accessible, and vibrant communities nationwide. The committees requested a $144 million increase on behalf of NSOs to compensate for the lack of substantial funding increases over the past two decades.
David Shoemaker, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, expressed disappointment at the lack of funding in the budget, highlighting the country’s lag behind competitors like Germany, Italy, and France in sports investment. He stressed the importance of recognizing the power of sports and the urgency of supporting athletes. The committees underscored the role of sports in achieving the government’s goals for a confident and resilient Canada.
Despite setting records at the Paris Olympics with nine gold medals and 27 in total, concerns remain about athletes reaching their full potential without additional funding. The committees highlighted the need for increased core funding to ensure the sustainability and success of national sport organizations. The 2024 federal budget did increase living and training allowances under the Athletes Assistance Program, but stakeholders believe further enhancements are necessary to support athletes adequately.
Efforts to secure funding for sports organizations continue, with calls for increased investment from various sectors and government levels. The need for sustainable funding to support athletes and promote sports across Canada remains a top priority for stakeholders in the sports community.