Question Period Note: Sport Support Program - COVID-19 Emergency Funds

The Sport Support Program supports the provision of opportunities for all Canadians to participate in sport and the development of the Canadian sport system. The Government of Canada has allocated $72 million in Emergency Support Funding to this contribution program.

• As part of the $500 million COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations, $72 million was allocated to ensure sport organizations can continue contributing to their sector in the future.
• $29.6 million was disbursed to 83 national level sport organizations based on identified needs. All eligible organizations who applied for funding received support.
• $32.5 million were allocated through the existing Federal-Provincial/Territorial Bilateral Agreements to all 13 provinces and territories. This support could help up to 700 organizations across Canada, including Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies.

• The COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations is being implemented to complement economic measures already announced by the Government of Canada. This fund will help organizations ensure that they can continue contributing to their sector in the future. Out of this $500 million fund, $72 million has been allocated to the sport sector as follows:
o Sport Support Program ( $29.6 million): National level sport organizations (National Sport Organizations (NSOs), Multisport Services Organizations (MSOs), Canadian Sport Centres (CSCs) and Other Supporting Initiatives) already receiving funding were disbursed up to 25 percent of the amount of funding received in the most recent funding cycle (reference level; enhanced excellence; next generation) based on identified needs. The Aboriginal Sport Circle also received emergency funding under the Sport Support Program.
o Athlete Assistance Program ($5 million): Emergency funding will be used to address complications in the awarding of athlete cards due to effects of the COVID-19 virus on the cancellation of national and international training opportunities and competitive events. Some supplementary support may be provided to cover expenses incurred by athletes in the context of COVID-19. Flexibility will also be provided to National Sport Organizations to make adjustments to carding criteria. This is intended to accommodate for the postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the lack of qualification opportunities for athletes.
o Bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories: ($32.5 million): Top-up funding was allocated to all 13 provinces and territories based on the number of provincial-territorial sport organizations supported by each jurisdiction.
• The Sport Support Program’s 2020–21 budget is $178.9 million. It supports the provision of opportunities for all Canadians to participate in sport and the development of the Canadian sport system. Funding is provided to eligible organizations for programming that is aligned with the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy (CSP).
• The CSP sets direction for the period of 2012 to 2022 for all governments, institutions and organizations that are committed to realizing the positive impacts of sport on individuals, communities and society. The CSP encourages the development of new partnerships with location and national, domestic and international, sport and non-sport partners. The CSP contributes to excellence; enhanced education and skill development; improved health and wellness; increased civic pride, engagement and cohesion; and increased economic development and prosperity.
• The Sport Support Program is delivered through these components:
o The National Sport Organization (NSO) component funds eligible organizations for programming that supports the development of Canadian athletes and coaches.
o The National Multisport Services Organization (MSO) component funds eligible organizations for programs and services offered to the national sport community to advance the development of sport in Canada.
o The Canadian Sport Centre (CSC) component funds eligible organizations for programming that supports the development of Canadian athletes and coaches.
o The Innovation Initiative funds eligible organizations for the testing of innovative quality sport approaches in order to develop evidence-based solutions to improve sport participation.
o The Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities component funds eligible organizations to deliver sport for social development projects for Indigenous communities in Canada.
o The Federal-Provincial/Territorial Bilateral Agreements on sport participation to support increased participation in sport for children and youth as well as under-represented groups.

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