Financial support from the Canadian government for athletes

The Government of Canada spends approximately $203.3 million on athletes, coaches and sports programs every year.

High performance athletes and Canadian organizations hosting sporting events get their money through these three programs: The Athlete Assistance Program, the Sport Support Program and the Hosting Program.

The AAP is a funding program for athletes designed to relieve the pressures in Canada for international high-level sports and funds $33 million to approximately 1900 athletes each year. The SSP is used to support the development of Canadian athletes and coaches and provides around $150.4 million to Canadian sport organizations each year to strengthen the Canadian national sport system and help give benefits to our athletes and coaches. The HP is used to enhance the development of athletes and create an international profile for sport organizations by hosting events in Canada. The HP provides about $19.9 million annually. 

A major aspect of sports and being an athlete is the importance of teamwork. Chris Lewis is the Conservative Party candidate for the riding of Essex in the 2019 election who was a coach in Kingsville for many years. He believes watching the kids grow from the start to the end of the season was one of the most special parts and takes the knowledge of teamwork in sports and applies it to his campaign. 

“Sports is all about team and whether you play house league or the pros, it’s all about teamwork,” said Lewis. “I am the face, flag carrier and the leader of my campaign but at the end of the day it’s all about the people. I know teamwork is vital and number one.” 

For more information on how to receive these funds or general information on sports in Canada, go to Canada.ca and search sports where you can find funding, development of athletes, sports in Canada, ethics in sports and events going on in the country.