CANADA SNOWBOARD CELEBRATES THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN CANADIAN SPORT
October 23, 2026 — The Government of Canada announces more than $156 million in funding for 62 National Sport Organizations in 2026–27, including $60 million in additional support to strengthen Canada's sport system, support athletes and coaches, and build opportunities from grassroots participation to Olympic and Paralympic excellence.
Canada Snowboard is celebrating a major step forward for Canadian sport following the Government of Canada's announcement of significant new funding for National Sport Organizations across the country.
Announced by the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), the investment represents an important commitment to strengthening Canada's sport system and creating opportunities for athletes, organizations and communities across the country.
For Canada Snowboard, this is more than a funding announcement. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the future of our sport.
"This is an incredibly important moment for Canadian snowboarding, and we're extremely grateful to Adam van Koeverden and the Government of Canada for their commitment to Canadian sport," said Dustin Heise, CEO of Canada Snowboard. "Receiving this level of support is a tremendous opportunity, and one we don't take lightly. This investment has the potential to strengthen every level of our sport, from grassroots participation to Olympic and Paralympic excellence, while creating lasting benefits for athletes, communities and our provincial and territorial partners."
THE SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING WILL SUPPORT US IN A VARIETY OF INITIATIVES:
INCREASING ACCESS TO SNOWBOARDING
This investment will help make snowboarding more accessible to Canadians from coast to coast, creating new opportunities for participation and introducing more people to the sport. By supporting grassroots initiatives, learn-to-snowboard programs and community-based experiences, including in urban centers and non-traditional snowboard locations, we can break down barriers to participation, reach new audiences and inspire the next generation of snowboarders across the country.
SUPPORTING OUR ATHLETES TO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD
Competing at the highest level requires world-class training environments, exceptional coaching and access to the resources necessary to succeed.
The additional funding will help strengthen Canada Snowboard's high-performance programs and National Teams, supporting athletes in their pursuit of Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship success. It also creates opportunities to enhance access to world-class training facilities here at home, allowing more Canadian athletes to prepare and develop on Canadian snow.
STRENGTHENING THE PATHWAY FROM GRASSROOTS TO THE NATIONAL TEAM
Every Olympic and Paralympic journey begins somewhere.
Whether it's a young rider discovering competitive snowboarding for the first time, an emerging athlete competing provincially or a National Team athlete representing Canada on the world stage, a strong and connected development pathway is essential.
This investment creates opportunities to strengthen that pathway, working alongside Canada's Provincial and Territorial Snowboard Associations, clubs, coaches and community partners to support athlete development, grow participation and build a stronger future for the sport.
AN INVESTMENT IN CANADIAN SPORT AND CANADIAN COMMUNITIES
The benefits of this announcement extend well beyond snowboarding. Sport plays an important role in bringing Canadians together, creating opportunities for young people, supporting healthy communities and generating economic activity across the country.
Canada Snowboard extends its sincere appreciation to Adam van Koeverden for his leadership and continued commitment to Canadian sport, and to the Government of Canada for recognizing the importance of investing in a strong, sustainable national sport system.
As van Koeverden emphasized in the federal announcement: "Sport is the ultimate nation builder, and together, we're Building Canada Strong, from the playground to the podium."
For Canada Snowboard, that message reflects the opportunity ahead: building a stronger sport system that supports everyone from first-time participants to the athletes proudly representing Canada on the international stage.
"We have an incredible community of athletes, coaches, volunteers, provincial and territorial partners, resorts and event hosts who work tirelessly to grow snowboarding in Canada," added Heise. "This investment is an opportunity to build on that work, create more opportunities for Canadians to experience our sport and ensure that Canada continues to be a world leader in snowboarding for generations to come."
LOOKING AHEAD
Canada Snowboard looks forward to working collaboratively with Sport Canada, our Provincial and Territorial Snowboard Associations and partners across the country to maximize its impact.
For now, we celebrate an important moment for Canadian sport and extend our sincere thanks to Adam van Koeverden and the Government of Canada for their commitment to building a stronger future.
From grassroots to gold medals, we're building the future of Canadian snowboarding together.
