TORONTO – The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger, healthier communities across the country. The transformative power of sport plays an important role in achieving this goal.
Parliamentary Secretary Adam van Koeverden announced an investment of $10.5 million over two years to 13 national-level organizations through the Community Sport for All Initiative. The funding will support local initiatives that remove barriers to participation in sport, specifically for underrepresented groups such as Black, Indigenous and racialized communities, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, persons with low incomes, seniors and newcomers.
The announcement was made on behalf of Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant, during a visit to the Toronto Metropolitan University’s Mattamy Athletic Centre. Parliamentary Secretary van Koeverden heard about the work of organizations that are receiving funding to help create opportunities for everyone to participate in sport.
The role of the national-level recipients is to disburse funding to community-level organizations through an open call for applications.
Data Tables
| National-level organizations funded | 2024–2026 |
|---|---|
| Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities | $2,500,000 |
| ParticipACTION | $1,200,000 |
| Biathlon Canada | $660,000 |
| Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sport Association – Boccia | $236,000 |
| Field Hockey Canada | $800,000 |
| Judo Canada | $504,000 |
| Sail Canada | $190,000 |
| KidSport Canada | $2,203,500 |
| Cycling Canada | $720,000 |
| Basketball Canada | $367,500 |
| Speed Skating Canada | $220,000 |
| Nordiq Canada | $600,000 |
| Wheelchair Basketball Canada | $299,000 |
| Funding total | $10,500,000 |
“Sport plays an important role in building self-esteem and leadership skills, which allow people to grow and thrive physically, emotionally and socially. This is why everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity.” – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant