Posted: Jul 14, 2016
Canadian Sport System
Many organizations make up Canada’s sport system, each playing their own role. Some provide Canadians with access to sport and help athletes participate and succeed in competitions. Others are responsible for hosting sport events.
- National Multisport Service Organizations
- National Sport Organizations
- Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes
The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association is a National Multisport Service Organization (MSO).
Government Participation in Sport
As the single largest investor in Canada’s amateur sport system, the Government of Canada plays an important role in this system. Through Sport Canada, it develops programs and policies to help the sport system meet the needs of Canadians.
Provincial and territorial governments, as well as the private and not-for-profit sectors, also provide programs and funding that support participation and excellence in sport.
Canadian Sport Policy
The common thread between the governments, institutions and organizations that are part of our sport system is the Canadian Sport Policy. The current Canadian Sport Policy, effective from 2012 to 2022, sets a direction for all governments, institutions and organizations to make sure sport has a positive impact on the lives of Canadians, our communities and our country.
Objectives of the Canadian Sport Policy
Through five broad objectives, the Policy aims to increase the number and diversity of Canadians participating in sport:
- Introduction to sport: Canadians have the fundamental skills, knowledge and attitudes to participate in organized and unorganized sport.
- Recreational sport: Canadians have the opportunity to participate in sport for fun, health, social interaction and relaxation.
- Competitive sport: Canadians have the opportunity to systematically improve and measure their performance against others in competition in a safe and ethical manner.
- High performance sport: Canadians are systematically achieving world-class results at the highest levels of international competition through fair and ethical means.
- Sport for development: Sport is used as a tool for social and economic development, and the promotion of positive values at home and abroad.
For more information about Sport in Canada visit the Government of Canada’s website.