Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden announced a federal investment of $500 million [1] over five years to overhaul Canadian sport.
The funding arrives as the government seeks to rectify systemic failures in athlete safety and organizational oversight. By targeting governance and grassroots access, the initiative aims to prevent future abuses while expanding athletic opportunities for a broader demographic of citizens.
Van Koeverden said the investment follows the final report of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission. He said the report highlighted a need for urgent, system-wide action to address longstanding gaps in safety, governance, and accountability across the system.
Of the total investment, $150 million [4] is earmarked specifically for grassroots development and accessibility. This portion of the funding is intended to lower barriers to entry for young athletes and underserved communities, a move the government says will build stronger and safer communities.
Beyond development and safety, the federal government is investing $10 million [5] into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame to preserve and celebrate the nation's sporting legacy.
Van Koeverden said the government will continue emphasizing participation and accessibility in sport, especially as the country looks beyond the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. He said the goal is providing more sport opportunities for all Canadians.
While some reports cited a total investment of $450 million [4], the primary announcement confirmed the $500 million [1] figure. The funding is designed to create a more transparent framework for national sport organizations, ensuring that accountability is embedded in the leadership of every sporting body.
“Urgent, system‑wide action is needed to address longstanding gaps in safety, governance, and accountability.”
This massive capital infusion signals a shift from a performance-only model to one centered on athlete welfare and inclusivity. By linking funding to governance reforms and safety standards, the Canadian government is attempting to rebuild trust in national sporting bodies following years of scandals regarding athlete abuse and mismanagement.
