Vancouver, Canada (Sunday, July 7, 2002) - Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell announced Thursday that their governments would each commit CDN $310 million for core sport and event venues if Canada is chosen to host the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The Government of Canada is a strong supporter of Canada’s Bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Vancouver and Whistler are natural locations for the Winter Games. I have complete confidence in the Bid project, and would like the world to know that the 2010 Games in Canada would be absolutely top-notch,” said Copps. “The Government of Canada is committed to making Canada a leading nation in sport and, towards that end, will examine the need for adjustments to its programs and funding.”

The financial commitment will only take effect if Canada is chosen to host the Games in 2010. The investment will ensure that sport and event venues that are core to the Games are in place, and are sustainable after the Games are over. Of the CDN $620 million to be invested, CDN $110 million would be earmarked for the ongoing operations of new facilities as part of the legacy of the Games. The investment would include a combination of new construction and improvements to existing sites. Work continues on selecting the locations. New venues needed include a speed skating oval; a bobsled, luge and skeleton track; and ski jumps. As well, an Athlete’s Village investment will mean potential housing legacies for Whistler and Vancouver.

“This is more than a commitment to the Vancouver 2010 Bid, it will be an investment in British Columbia’s economy, its youth and its future,” said Campbell. “With both governments committed to the Bid, we ensure that our athletes can train and compete in world-class facilities and demonstrate to the IOC that the entire country is solidly behind Vancouver’s Bid.”

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will make a decision on its short list of candidates on August 29, 2002, and will choose the host city of the 2010 Games in July 2003, at its session in Prague, Czech Republic.

“The Bid is about all of us, British Columbians and Canadians, working together to reach a common goal,” said Minister of State for the 2010 Olympic Bid Ted Nebbeling. “This is a commitment to sport, to healthier lifestyles and to healthy communities.”

The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are member partners of the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation, in cooperation with the City of Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

“This strong support from our governments shows the International Olympic Committee that we will be ready to host a first-class Winter Games in 2010, building on Canada’s exceptional reputation of hosting major international sport events,” said Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation Jack Poole. “Sport venues for the Games will result in community assets and legacies that will benefit future generations.”