The Ministerial Athlete Advisory Committee will ensure that the
perspectives and advice of athletes inform the development and
implementation of Government of Canada sport programs and policies
OTTAWA,
ON, July 19, 2024 /CNW/ - 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.
Today, the Honourable 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.
Quotes
"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."
—The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical
Activity
Quick Facts
A call for applications took place from February 1 to March 12, 2023, for athletes to
express interest in participating in an Athlete Advisory Committee.
Following the elevation of the Advisory Committee to a Ministerial
Advisory Committee, the call for applications was re-opened from
January 11 to February 6, 2024, for
Canadian senior national team athletes to express interest in
participating.
Budget 2024 proposes to provide:
- $35 million over five years,
starting in 2024–25, and $7 million
ongoing for the Athlete Assistance Program. This would increase the
funding allowance for supported athletes and support additional
athletes in new Olympic and Paralympic sport disciplines.
- $16 million over two years,
starting in 2024–25, for the Sport Support Program to help create a
safer and more welcoming sport environment for all athletes, from
amateurs to Olympians and Paralympians. Priorities will include
preventing and addressing maltreatment, supporting those with
concussions and mental health issues, and advancing inclusion,
diversity, equity and accessibility.
Related Products
Building a safe sport system for Canada
Minister Qualtrough, Minister Anand and Minister Boissonnault
announce investments to support Canada's athletes
Associated Links
Ministerial Athlete Advisory Committee
Budget 2024
SOURCE Canadian Heritage