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November 14, 2024

News

Let the games begin! Federal investments making the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s happen

Excitement is building as St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, prepares to host the 2025 Canada Games from August 8-25, 2025. The largest domestic multi-sport event in Canada will bring together more than 4,800 participants from all 13 provinces and territories to compete in 19 different sports.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting large-scale, pan-Canadian events like the Canada Games that celebrate homegrown athletes and help them reach their potential, while boosting tourism, creating good jobs and benefiting the local economy.

A legacy for Newfoundland and Labrador communities

Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, announced combined Government of Canada investments totalling just over $19 million to support the delivery of the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s.

The Department of Canadian Heritage, through Sport Canada, is contributing $17,931,000 to assist with operational and capital costs, as well as the introduction of lacrosse in the Canada Games for the first time.

ACOA is providing an additional non-repayable investment of $1,299,750 to assist with the opening and closing ceremonies, marketing and promotion, and the accessibility of event venues.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting Canadian athletes while creating a lasting legacy for Newfoundland and Labrador residents and visitors for years to come.

Quotes

“The 2025 Canada Games brings young athletes together from across our country for a celebration of friendship, sport, and competition. Newfoundland and Labrador’s warm hospitality makes it the perfect place to host this 30th edition of the Canada Games. I can’t wait to cheer on our athletes next summer!”

-   The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The 2025 Canada Games are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the passion and resilience of young athletes from every part of Canada. St. John’s is the perfect host and with this support, we’re building a lasting legacy for sport and community in Newfoundland and Labrador. I’m excited to cheer on these athletes as they make their mark next summer!”

- The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity

"This generous support from the Government of Canada will make a meaningful difference in delivering a memorable 2025 Canada Games experience that resonates across Newfoundland and Labrador and all of Canada. We are thrilled to see these investments in sport, accessibility, and inclusion, which will leave a lasting legacy for our communities and inspire young athletes for generations to come."  

-   Kim Keating and Karl Smith, Co-Chairs, 2025 Canada Games Host Society

Quick facts

  • The 2025 Canada Games is scheduled to take place from August 8-25 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and surrounding communities.
  • With a forecasted economic impact of over $120 million, the 30th edition of the Canada Games will be one of the largest events hosted in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history.
  • A multi-sport event held every two years, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for Canadian athletes.
  • The Department of Canadian Heritage is investing $16,250,000 to assist the Canada Games Host Society with its operational and capital costs.
  • The Department of Canadian Heritage is also providing an investment of $1,681,000 to support the inclusion of lacrosse at the 2025 Canada Games, as a means to influence Indigenous sport development and as an important step towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
  • The Department of Canadian Heritage funding announced today is provided through the Canada Games Hosting Program.
  • The ACOA funding announced today is provided through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.