8/4/21
by: Niagara Host Society
Federal Government Announces up to $1.1-Million in Funding for the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games
Tuesday, August 3, 2021 (St. Catharines, Ont.) - Across from Canada Games Park (CGP) yesterday, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced up to $1.1-million in additional funding to the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. These funds will give the Niagara Host Society financial support after the Canada Games in Niagara were postponed from 2021 to 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today’s 1.1-million dollar announcement will help cover additional unforeseen costs due to COVID-19. It was so important for Vance [Badawey] and I, and to Minister Guilbeault, that the 2022 Summer Games are not inhibited by the consequences of the pandemic,” said Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Member of Parliament (St. Catharines).
Joining the Hon. Steven Guilbeault and MP Bittle as speakers were Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament (Niagara Centre); Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley; and Doug Hamilton, Board Chair of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. Those in attendance included the Mayor of Welland Frank Campion, Mayor of Lincoln Sandra Easton, Mayor of Thorold Terry Ugulini and Mayor of St. Catharines Walter Sendzik.
This funding announcement comes on the heels of two other prior federal funding announcements related to the 2022 Canada Games over the last three years. Previously, the federal government announced funding for CGP in September 2019, which followed the funding they provided for the return of box lacrosse to the Canada Games. Box lacrosse will be returning to the Summer Games after a 37-year hiatus, with the brand-new addition of women’s lacrosse competition as well.
The inclusion of lacrosse, also known as the Creator’s game, in the 2022 Canada Summer Games is seen as a meaningful step in Canada's reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples. In order to also advance the process of Canadian reconciliation as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an Indigenous Partnership Council (IPC) has been formed to help ensure inclusivity and diversity needs are met to host an inclusive Games in relation to Indigenous participation, considerations and opportunities at the 2022 Canada Summer Games.
“Through our collaboration with the [IPC], the Games will be a cross-cultural experience. They will showcase the cultures of the First Nation, Metis and Inuit, their traditions, their songs, their dances, and their artistic work. The Games will also include box lacrosse, which has been played by Indigenous people in this region for centuries. Thanks to a 1.7-million dollar investment by the federal government in 2019,” said Minister Guilbeault.
To promote the cross-cultural experience, the Strong Water Women Youth Singers performed two songs as a welcome at the announcement. One song was in honour of Indigenous culture, language and traditions and the other was in honour of all the grandmas who came before us.
“Folks, this building behind us [CGP], this is the home of the next generation of inspiration. And not only for sport and activities and recreation but for how it got done, communities working together, recognizing for example our Indigenous history and our heritage, this being the lands that we respect of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe people,” included MP Badawey.
Held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games are the country’s marquee event for amateur sport representing the highest level of national competition for thousands of up-and-coming Canadian athletes. More than 5,000 participants and close to 4,500 volunteers are expected to take part in Canada’s largest multi-sport event in the Niagara Region from August 6-21, 2022.
Additional quotes
“Our government is proud to strengthen its support for our country’s largest domestic multisport event, the Canada Games. These Games are an amazing opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills and make Canada proud. We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you and experience this event with the athletes, coaches, volunteers and people of the Niagara Region.” - The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“When Niagara was awarded the 2021 Canada Summer Games in 2017, no one expected the enormous challenges the COVID-19 pandemic would create as the Host Society prepares to host this once-in-a-lifetime event in our community. From the difficult decision to delay the games to the delays in construction caused by the pandemic, additional costs would certainly change the Games. This funding will help ensure that Niagara hosts the best Canada Summer Games possible and that the success of the event is not limited due to the challenges of the global pandemic.” - Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Member of Parliament (St. Catharines)
“The pandemic has affected the lives of so many across Canada, and the Niagara Region is no exception. The 2022 Canada Summer Games presents the Niagara Region with an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a permanent legacy, and will play a key role in shaping the next generation of Canada’s national team athletes for podium success. This additional federal investment will ensure the facilities are ready for the Games and are available to our region for decades to come.” - Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament (Niagara Centre)
"We are very grateful to the federal government for its additional support of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. While the decision to postpone our Games by a year was a difficult one that came with added challenges, it was undoubtedly the right decision. Ultimately, thanks to the additional support, we will be able to host the Games that were originally envisioned — a Games that will bring Canadians from all parts of our country together for a national celebration in the Niagara Region.” - Doug Hamilton, Board Chair of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games
“I have the advantage of having an office where I can look out daily at [CGP] that’s going up across the street. While that’s a tangible result, a legacy result of the Canada Games here in Niagara, what is equally significant is the opportunity for young people in our country to gather together in one place, in this case the Regional Municipality of Niagara, to participate in a national event.” - Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley
About the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games
At the peak of Niagara’s boldest summer yet, more than 5,000 up-and-coming athletes, their coaches and support staff will gather to compete for the podium in Canada’s largest multi-sport event. From August 6 to 21, 2022, Niagara will surge stronger than ever on the national stage. The 2022 Games, made possible thanks to funding and support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Niagara Region, and the Canada Games Council, will give rise to new legacies of ambition, confidence, and compassion that will inspire generations to come.
For further information, visit us at niagara2022games.ca or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@2022canadagames).
Media Contact:
Christopher Séguin, Media & Communications Manager
289.880.4005
