SMG applauds the Ontario government's recognition of the role of sport in strengthening the provincial economy and the well-being of Ontarians through the creation of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. SMG had made several representations to the government of Ontario in respect of the case for including sport in the masthead of a specific ministerial portfolio. We would also like to acknowledge the work of Sport4Ontario and all of the folks in our sector who took the time to write to the Premier and their local representatives in respect of this matter.

Premier Dalton McGuinty announced today that the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture, will assume responsibility for the portfolio of sport in the province. We wish the Minister well as he and his colleague, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Charles de Sousa, embark upon the task of preparing Ontario to host the Pan/Parapan American Games in the GTA in 2015. Sport is a part of every community in Ontario and is the number one volunteer activity to which Canadians choose to devote themselves in their spare time. Sport also plays a key role in increasing physical activity levels and in helping to prevent and manage obesity and chronic diseases.

QUICK FACTS

• The responsibility for health promotion activities will be assigned to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

• More than 10,000 athletes, coaches and delegates from the Caribbean and Central, South and North America will compete in 48 sports at the Pan/Parapan Games.

 You will find the full Ontario press release here:

http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/news/event.php?ItemID=19759&Lang=EN.

Sport Matters Group (SMG) is a voluntary group of Canadian sport leaders who have come together to talk about the important contribution that sport makes to society and to advance sport and public policy. SMG is a place where leaders connect with one another, where we address cross-cutting issues together, and where we innovate in finding solutions to complex issues involving sport systems, governments and citizens.

Media enquiries:

Chris Jones, Senior Leader

613-231-7472 x 222

613-612-2654 (mobile)