Shane Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, provided the following statement on the upcoming announcement from the Canada Games Council regarding the new hosting rotation for Canada Games.
“The Canada Games Council (CGC) has recently announced their plans for a new hosting rotation for Canada Games. This new rotation model reflects a pan-Canadian approach in which all provinces and territories have the opportunity to host the Games. This is fantastic news for smaller jurisdictions like the Northwest Territories as it will give us a chance, if desired, to host the games and showcase our beautiful territory to the entire country.
“Under this model, four Canada Games will be selected in each rotation spanning an eight-year period, allowing Provincial/Territorial Governments to express their interest in hosting opportunities based on their priorities. In each rotation, one small, one medium and two large jurisdictions will be eligible to host.
“The new model has provided the NWT with an opportunity to submit a bid to host the Canada Winter Games in 2035. The formal bid must be submitted eight years prior to the 2035 Canada Winter Games, which means that a decision to bid must be made by 2027. The GNWT must now undertake the work required to bring forth a bid on behalf of the NWT.
“This is a very exciting opportunity as hosting multi-sport games supports many GNWT objectives including increased tourism, and the promotion of northern arts and culture. The GNWT is currently working to understand fully the opportunities, challenges, and risks that come with hosting a major national sporting and cultural event like the 2035 Canada Winter Games. We will ensure that proper and thorough consultation is conducted with other governments and with stakeholders prior to deciding whether to submit a formal bid.
“Should a formal bid for the 2035 Canada Winter Games be submitted, the GNWT will pursue every available option to secure funding and support from the Government of Canada.
“If a bid is submitted, 2035 would be the first time in history that the Northwest Territories would host the Canada Games, and it would offer an opportunity to support Truth and Reconciliation recommendations in two ways. First, by ensuring that there is meaningful participation by Indigenous people in the Host Society and second, by ensuring that there are appropriate and meaningful opportunities for Indigenous governments and Indigenous Organizations to participate and benefit from hosting these games in the NWT.
“At this moment, we are pleased to have been selected for the 4th Rotation of the Canada Games. Now we will begin the information gathering and consultation phase to determine whether residents and stakeholders are supportive of submitting a formal bid to host these games.”
