The Government of Canada is committed to building stronger, healthier communities across the country. Sport plays an important role in building self-esteem and leadership skills while allowing people to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.
The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced last Thursday that the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) will receive $8 million in funding in 2022–23 from the Community Sport for All Initiative.
“One of our government’s top priorities is to help Canadians pursue healthier lifestyles for themselves and their families. However, in 2022, we know there are still major barriers to sports. That is why we are contributing $8 million to the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, which will solidify our commitment to building stronger and healthier communities across the country,” said Pascale St-Onge, minister of Sport and responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
“That kind of funding makes a real difference on the ground, helping everyone from our youth to our seniors have better access to sport and get back to the activities they loved before the pandemic hit us all. Together, we will make sport more inclusive, equitable, and accessible to everyone in Canada.”
This new funding will allow CPRA to support community-led projects that aim to remove barriers and increase participation in recreational sports for underrepresented groups such as Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+, low-income, newcomers, and those with disabilities, according to a news release.
The CPRA will soon launch a call for proposals for community-based organizations to offer recreation activities for people who may not have the opportunity to participate in sports.
“The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association offers its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for this Government of Canada (Sport Canada) support via the Community Sport for All Initiative. Community recreation sports programs are essential to physical, mental, intellectual, and social well-being,” said Mike Roma, president of the Board of Directors of Canadian Parks and Recreation Association.
“In alignment with our mandate to provide publicly accessible community sport and recreation opportunities to all Canadians, this new funding will allow CPRA to support community-led projects, which will remove barriers and increase participation rates in recreation for underrepresented and equity-deserving groups across Canada.”
Minister St-Onge announced this while participating in a Canadian Sport Policy consultation dedicated to greening in sport.
As announced in Budget 2021, the Government of Canada will distribute as much as $80 million over two years across the country to help encourage more accessible local organized sports and remove barriers to participation in sports programming.