Category: Economic

OTTAWA, October 23, 2026

Canada’s Year of Sport continues with Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team taking the field against England this evening in Ottawa, after their historic victory last week in Toronto. As one of the best women’s rugby teams in the world, their success is inspiring the next generation of athletes across the country.

Through the Spring Economic Update, we invested $1 billion in sport, the largest in our nation’s history, to strengthen our sport system. We moved quickly to get that support where it can make a difference.

Today, during the match in Ottawa, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced close to $5 million in funding for Rugby Canada in 2026–27, including an additional investment of $2.8 million for this year.

Secretary of State van Koeverden also highlighted an investment of $898,000 in 2026–27 to support Rugby Canada’s hosting of four international matches in Canada, including two Nations Cup matches and two WXV Global Series matches.

This funding will support Canadian athletes, increase participation and help Canada continue to host world-class sporting events.

This is an incredible time to cheer on our rugby players as they compete on home soil, while welcoming fans and proving once again that Canada is the best sport-hosting nation.

BADDECK, Nova Scotia, October 23, 2026

Our arts and cultural organizations are at the heart of our communities. They bring us together, allow us to share our stories and keep our culture alive. By ensuring they have spaces suited to creating, producing and presenting their work, we help Canadian culture thrive and proudly affirm our identity, while supporting a vital part of our economy. Theatre Baddeck is one of those unique and inclusive cultural spaces that celebrate Cape Breton’s rich heritage, showcase local artists, and create opportunities for the entire community to come together, learn and discover new perspectives.

Today, Jamie Battiste, Member of Parliament (Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish), announced $400,000 in federal funding to help support the acquisition and installation of specialized theatre equipment at the Theatre Baddeck Society’s new venue. This project will enhance the organization’s ability to present a wide range of professional arts programming and provide new opportunities for artists, audiences and community organizations.

Since its relocation to a new venue in early 2025, the Theatre Baddeck Society has completed renovations to improve the facility. This next phase will involve equipping the space with the technology and infrastructure needed to support increasingly diverse and professional productions, making it even more versatile and accessible to both artists and audiences.

The project will result in new energy-efficient theatre lighting, flooring and draperies, as well as a range of audio and visual equipment. This will include full-range and portable public address systems, wireless microphones and headsets, listening-assist systems for patrons with hearing impairments, and equipment for livestreaming and recording.

The work will also help improve the safety features of the facility through the installation of technology that can automatically prompt audio, visual and lighting systems in response to emergencies.

Once complete, the upgraded venue will allow Theatre Baddeck to expand its programming and launch an arts education program. The enhanced facility will also be better positioned to welcome new users and renters while also developing year-round partnerships with theatre producers, artists and cultural organizations.

OTTAWA, October 22, 2026

Our government believes sport is our ultimate nation builder. From the local rink to the Olympic and Paralympic podiums, sport brings Canadians together. National sport organizations play an important part in that journey, connecting local clubs to national teams and creating a path for athletes to proudly wear the maple leaf on the world stage.

Today, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced more than $156 million in funding for 62 National Sport Organizations (NSOs) in 2026–27, which includes an additional $60 million this year.

This investment will help NSOs grow participation in sport by increasing access, building interest and delivering quality sport programming, because talent is everywhere in this country and opportunity should be too. It will enhance elite athlete development, help Team Canada compete at the highest level, advance safe sport and sport integrity, and strengthen a sport system that Canadians can trust and believe in.

Today’s announcement is part of the $112 million in new Sport Support Program funding, which provides national-level sport organizations with additional mid-fiscal-year funding through a streamlined process.

These measures are part of the Government of Canada’s generational $1-billion investment in sport—the largest in our country’s history—to upgrade stadiums, fields and community centres; advance safe sport; improve access; host more world-class events; and help athletes succeed from the playground to the podium.

OTTAWA, October 22, 2026

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced the extension of the appointment of Michele McKenzie as interim Director of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 for an additional period of up to two years.

An internationally recognized sustainable tourism strategy expert and experienced public-sector leader, Michele McKenzie has worked across Canada and internationally, developing sustainable tourism strategies and advising governments, economic development agencies and businesses on innovation and changing operating environments, while bringing extensive governance and board experience with organizations including Invest in Canada, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Parks Canada.

Michele McKenzie previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Tourism Commission (Destination Canada) and as Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage for Nova Scotia. In 2020, she received the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Michele McKenzie has served as interim Director of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier since December 2025.