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TORONTO, August 4, 2026

Artists and creators are at the heart of our creative economy, enriching local communities and strengthening social connections. By contributing to Toronto’s diverse and vibrant arts, culture and heritage sector, they generate significant economic benefits across the region.

Today, Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament (Taiaiako’n–Parkdale–High Park), announced funding of $61,000 from the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program for the Festival Management Committee that oversees the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival, now in its 59th year, is a festival that celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of Caribbean culture while fostering inclusivity, unity and representation.

The investment from the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program supports the participation of 9,630 local artists, artisans and heritage performers and provides them with opportunities to share their talents, traditions and cultural stories with audiences across Toronto and beyond. Live music, dance, costumes, storytelling and cultural demonstrations showcase the artistry and cultural traditions of Caribbean-Canadian communities. These include performances and activities by steelpan musicians, calypsonians, masquerade designers, dancers and educators.

GATINEAU, August 2, 2026

The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), issued the following statement:

“As the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games end, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all members of Team Canada on their outstanding achievements.

Throughout these Games, Canadian athletes have demonstrated exceptional talent, determination and resilience, competing with pride in both sport and para sport events and inspiring Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication of the coaches, mission staff, officials, medical teams, volunteers, families and supporters who stood behind our athletes every step of the way. Their commitment and encouragement played an essential role in our team’s success.

Thank you, Team Canada, for the unforgettable memories, the inspiring performances and the pride you have brought to our nation. You have demonstrated the very best of Canadian sport and have left a legacy that will inspire future generations of athletes.

Congratulations on a remarkable Commonwealth Games. Canadians across the country celebrate your success and proudly welcome you home.”

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OTTAWA, August 1, 2026

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, made the following statement:

“Today, we observe Emancipation Day to remind ourselves that slavery existed in the territory that is now Canada until its official abolition on August 1, 1834, with the Slavery Abolition Act.

This law led to the emancipation of more than 800,000 people of African descent who had been enslaved throughout most of the British Empire, including Canada, the Caribbean, Africa and South America. However, the legacy of slavery continues to be felt today.

Our government is therefore committed to working closely with Black communities to advance equity, fight racism against Black people, and eliminate the systemic barriers that hinder social and economic inclusion.

It should also be noted that the national recognition of Emancipation Day is the result of decades of advocacy by Black communities, particularly thanks to the leadership of Rosemary Sadlier, former president of the Ontario Black History Society, as well as the commitment of Member of Parliament Majid Jowhari and Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, who introduced the motion to officially recognize this day at the national level.

On this Emancipation Day, I invite Canadians to deepen their understanding of the history of slavery in Canada and the long-term effects of anti-Black racism. Let us also stand in solidarity with the millions of people around the world who are still victims of forms of slavery and exploitation. Together, let us continue our efforts to build a united and strong Canada, where Black communities can thrive, and where no compromises are made when it comes to respecting human rights.”

CALGARY, July 29, 2026

Alberta has a fundamental role in Canada’s sport system from playground to podium. Across the province, community programs, Indigenous-led initiatives, national training centres and international competitions create opportunities for people to connect, participate and pursue excellence in sport.

This week, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), concluded a two-day tour of Calgary and Canmore, where he met with young participants, inspiring athletes, coaches, volunteers and sport leaders and highlighted federal investments in sport across Alberta.

The announcements and engagements highlight how federal investments are supporting the country’s sport system in Alberta:

Building world-class places to participate, train and compete: Through the Build Communities Strong Fund, the Secretary of State announced a significant federal investment of up to $33.6 million in key sport infrastructure projects. In Calgary, together with the Government of Alberta’s matching investment, it will support the rehabilitation and modernization of the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary campus, a legendary facility that hosted the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Federal funding will also support upgrades to the WinSport halfpipe in Calgary, another legacy venue from the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, ensuring it meets international training standards and can host more international events. In Kananaskis, the Government of Canada’s investment will increase snowmaking capacity and improve security measures at the Nakiska National Ski Cross Training Centre.

The Secretary of State also announced that Calgary will soon have a new community soccer pitch. This project will be part of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities’ national initiative to build as many as 25 pitches across Canada by 2029, supported by more than $2 million in Government of Canada funding to help more kids participate in sport. From neighbourhood matches to dreams of representing Canada on the world stage, these soccer pitches will give kids and youth a safe place to play, belong and build confidence.

Supporting athletes from training to the world stage: Secretary of State van Koeverden announced a $3-million annual increase to the Athlete Assistance Program, bringing the program’s total yearly funding to $43 million. This funding will provide more financial support to help high-performance athletes manage living and education expenses and the costs associated with their sport. This helps them to keep their focus on training and their unrelenting pursuit of competing at their best in Canada and around the world.

Welcoming the world to Alberta: The Government of Canada continues to support the hosting of a wide range of international competitions across Alberta, including world championships and world cups. These events create opportunities for Canadian athletes to compete at home, support tourism and drive economic benefit for the host communities, and leave long-lasting impacts and legacies in Alberta long after the event has ended. For example, Alberta will proudly host the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat in August 2026. Alberta is also preparing to welcome the world to Edmonton and Red Deer in December for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, one of Canada’s most anticipated holiday traditions and a moment that unites Canadians across the country behind the next generation of hockey talent.

Supporting Indigenous-led sport in Alberta: The government recently announced newly funded Indigenous-led projects across Alberta as part of the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities program. These community-led initiatives create culturally relevant opportunities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, advance priorities identified by communities, and support well-being by strengthening communities through sport and recreation.

Sport is the ultimate nation-building project, and these investments build on the Government of Canada’s generational investment of $1 billion to make sure we continue hosting world-class events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™, while expanding access to sport; upgrading stadiums, fields and community recreation facilities; and helping athletes succeed. A country that comes together through sport is a country united.