Question Period Note: Federal support for the sport sector through COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on sport participation and stakeholders within the Canadian Sport System. On April 19, 2021, the Federal Government presented a Budget designed to help support Canada’s active recovery and the rebuilding of the Canadian Sport System. This funding builds on the previous support provided as part of the COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations, which delivered $500 million in Emergency Support Funds to cultural, heritage and sport organizations. The sport sector was allocated $86 million to ensure that sport organizations can continue contributing to their sector in the future.

• Budget 2021 proposes to support Canada’s active recovery with additional funding for amateur sporting events, and the establishment of a recovery fund.
• To get Canadians moving again when it is safe to do so, Budget 2021 also proposes funding to help community organizations kick-start local organized sports that are accessible to all.
• Furthermore, Budget 2021 is providing support to ensure that Indigenous girls and women have access to meaningful sports activities.
• This funding builds on the previous support provided as part of the COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund, which delivered $86 million for the sport sector.

• Budget 2021 will help restore the Canadian Sport System and support Canada’s Active Recovery with additional funding through the following streams:

o A $300 million investment over two-years, starting in 2021-22, to Canadian Heritage to establish a Recovery Fund for Heritage, Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sport Sectors.
o A $200 million investment through Canadian Heritage to support local festivals, community cultural events, outdoor theatre performances, heritage celebrations, local museums, amateur sport events, and more.
o $80 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, to Canadian Heritage to remove barriers to participation in sports programming and to help community organizations kick-start local organized sports that are accessible to all.

o $14.3 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $2.9 million ongoing, to ensure that Indigenous women and girls have access to meaningful sports activities through the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program.

• This funding builds on the previous support provided as part of the COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations, which delivered $86 million in emergency support for the sport sector.
• Canadians of all ages have sacrificed time on the field, at the park, and on the ice to keep each other safe. Young Canadians, in particular, have missed out on the chance to learn new skills and make memories with their teammates. Sport and physical activity plays a critical role in our mental health and in the social and economic revitalization of our communities. The federal government is providing direct support to increase the sport and physical activity opportunities available to Canadians as we emerge from the pandemic.
• However, with reduced revenues, many heritage, arts, and sport organizations run the risk of not surviving through to the other side of the pandemic without additional support.
• The Canadian Sport Policy (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 local 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’s 2020–21 budget is $178.9 million. It supports 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.
• The Athlete Assistance Program’s 2020–21 budget is $33 million. Carded athletes receive funding for living and training expenses, and are eligible for tuition support to further their education. Over 250 of these athletes are Paralympic athletes.

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