Sports minister Qualtrough announces new Ministerial Athlete Advisory Committee

OTTAWA — Sports minister Carla Qualtrough announced Friday a group of 14 Canadian athletes who will form a Ministerial Athlete Advisory Committee.

Gymnast Ellie Black of Halifax, who’s heading to her fourth Olympics this summer in Paris, and Canadian women’s soccer team defender Vanessa Gilles of Ottawa are among the athletes who were selected after an open call for applications.

The goal of the committee is for athletes to have a dedicated platform to share their perspectives with the Canadian government.

The committee will provide guidance on topics including safe sport, governance and accountability, the Canadian Sport Policy and federal funding.

This year’s budget proposes to provide $35 million over five years starting in 2024-25, and $7 million ongoing, for the Athlete Assistance Program, which would increase funding for supported athletes.

It also puts forward $16 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, for the Sport Support Program to help create a safer environment for athletes.

“Athletes are at the centre of the Canadian sport system,” Qualtrough said in a statement. “Through the Ministerial Athlete Advisory Committee, we will engage directly with athletes on sport policies and program development to ensure their perspectives are reflected across the sport system. I’d like to thank everyone who applied and welcome the athletes who will form this new Advisory Committee. I’m excited to get to work on tackling the issues that matter most to Canada’s athletes, together.”

LIST OF ATHLETES

Javier Acevedo (Swimming); Rob Armstrong (Para ice hockey); Ellie Black (Gymnastics-artistic); Paige Crozon (3×3 basketball); Erica Gavel (Wheelchair basketball); Liam Gill (Snowboard); Vanessa Gilles (Soccer); Sasha Gollish (Athletics); Alison Levine (Boccia); Ivy Liao (Table tennis); Philippe Marquis (Freestyle skiing); Jill Moffatt (Rowing); Ness Murby (Para athletics); Neville Wright (Bobsleigh).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2024.

The Canadian Press