|
August 29, 2009
IN THE NEWS...
Government of Canada Announces Policy on Sport for Women and Girls
Actively Engaged: A Policy on Sport for Women and Girls CHARLOTTETOWN – The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), today announced a new Policy on Sport for Women and Girls. Canadians will benefit from a renewed and strengthened commitment to further improve sport experiences for women and girls in their roles as athletes, coaches, officials, and leaders. “Our Government’s updated Policy on Women in Sport represents great strides towards encouraging and enabling more women and girls to get involved in sport,” said Minister of State Lunn. “We are proud to have undertaken a complete review of the Policy to foster a Canadian sport system that provides quality sport experiences to ensure that women and girls are actively involved and equitably supported in a full range of roles.” “I have enjoyed being part of the development of the Women in Sport Policy, and I commend Minister Lunn on his work,” said the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women). “This builds on our Government’s continuing tradition of working with women in sport. In sport, as in all sectors, women can open doors for other women and girls to follow. This helps our society benefit from the achievements of all its citizens, regardless of their sex.” The Sport Canada Policy on Women in Sport was originally published in 1986. The new policy places an emphasis on the active participation of women and girls and on improving their access to quality sport experiences and equitable support. The new policy will be supported by an accountability framework as the basis for improved monitoring and evaluation, in line with best practices for policy development and implementation. An action plan has been developed to guide the first three years of activity. The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in this country and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. The Government of Canada’s investment in the Canadian sport system in 2008–2009 was at an all-time high of more than $160 million. Information: Michelle Yao Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P. Minister of State (Sport) 819-934-1131 Media Relations Canadian Heritage 819-994-9101 1-866-569-6155 media@pch.gc.ca (This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.)
|