OTTAWA – Every day, athletes inspire Canadians and are a source of national pride. They are also at the heart of the Canadian sport system and must be included in decision making about sport. That’s why the Government of Canada is ensuring that Canada’s athletes are at the centre of policy and program development in sport and physical activity.
Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, announced the 14 athletes who will form the new Ministerial Athlete Advisory Committee. Through this Ministerial Advisory Committee, athletes will have a dedicated platform to share their perspectives directly with the Government of Canada. They will provide advice and guidance on a range of priorities including safe sport, governance and accountability, the Canadian Sport Policy, and federal funding.
The members of the new Ministerial Athlete Advisory Committee are:
- Javier Acevedo – Swimming
- Rob Armstrong – Para ice hockey
- Ellie Black – Gymnastics (artistic)
- Paige Crozon – 3×3 basketball
- Erica Gavel – Wheelchair basketball
- Liam Gill – Snowboard
- Vanessa Gilles – Soccer
- Sasha Gollish – Athletics
- Alison Levine – Boccia
- Ivy Liao – Table tennis
- Philippe Marquis – Freestyle skiing
- Jill Moffatt – Rowing
- Ness Murby – Para athletics
- Neville Wright – Bobsleigh
Athletes were selected following an open call for applications. The Committee will meet every three months with the first meeting expected to take place following the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in the fall.
“Athletes are at the centre of the Canadian sport system. Through the Ministerial Athlete Advisory Committee, we will engage directly with athletes on sport policies and program development to ensure their perspectives are reflected across the sport system. I’d like to thank everyone who applied and welcome the athletes who will form this new Advisory Committee. I’m excited to get to work on tackling the issues that matter most to Canada’s athletes, together.” – Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity