Ottawa Announces $60 Million In New Funding For National Sports Organizations

The federal government has announced $60 million in additional funding for more than 60 national sports organizations across Canada, aiming to address longstanding financial challenges while strengthening athlete development and safety initiatives.

Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden unveiled the funding during a news conference in Ottawa on Thursday, October 22, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting high-performance athletes and improving safety standards throughout Canada’s sporting system.

Van Koeverden, joined by parliamentarians from multiple parties and elite athletes, highlighted the importance of sports in bringing Canadians together and fostering stronger communities.

Among the organizations receiving significant funding increases are the Canadian Rugby Union, which will receive $2.8 million, Canoe Kayak Canada with $2.4 million, and Canada Basketball with $2.3 million. Alpine Canada has also been allocated $2.77 million, although that funding was previously announced.

The announcement follows the release of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s final report in March, which outlined 98 recommendations to address systemic challenges within the country’s sporting landscape.

The commission, led by former Ontario Court of Justice chief justice Lise Maisonneuve, identified widespread abuse across different levels of sport, complicated complaint procedures, unequal power dynamics and persistent funding shortages as major concerns.

Maisonneuve previously warned that inadequate financial resources could undermine athlete safety, stressing the connection between sufficient funding and a secure sporting environment.

Addressing these concerns, van Koeverden said athlete protection remains a central component of the federal government’s broader sports strategy. He emphasized that safe sport measures must be integrated into the operations of every national sports organization rather than treated as separate or optional initiatives.

The minister also acknowledged progress in improving safety standards while reaffirming the government’s commitment to continued reforms.

The additional investment is intended to provide national sports organizations with greater financial stability, support Canadian athletes competing internationally and strengthen safeguards designed to protect participants at all levels of sport.