February 18, 1998
(Executive Council)

Premier Tobin announces funding for Canada Winter Games

Premier Brian Tobin today announced initiatives totalling more than $600,000 for the 1999 Canada Winter Games.

The games will be held in Corner Brook and the surrounding area from February 20 to March 6 next year.

The premier joined with Sandra Kelly, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, to make the announcement at a news conference in Corner Brook. He noted that more than $400,000 has been allocated for Canada Games site improvements in Corner Brook and Stephenville.

The premier said tenders will soon be called to enhance the viewing area for officials and media at the West Coast Training Centre in Stephenville, where the Canada Games judo competition will be held, and to establish a dedicated observation area at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre pool, site of next year's synchronized swimming events.

The premier noted the improvements will not only address Canada Games requirements, but will enhance the area's potential to attract future sporting events.

"I am pleased that government funding will have lasting infrastructure benefits for the west coast," Premier Tobin said. "Along with the host society and the leading corporate sponsors who have come forward, government is committed to the success of the games."

The premier also announced that the Department of Human Resources and Employment is committing $200,000 to fund a number of positions within the host society. These will include coordinators, project assistants and other essential positions. Duties will include finance and administration, media and community relations, marketing, sports coordination, medical services, cultural programs and language services.

"The Canada Winter Games will promote long-term job potential and economic development by linking training and work experience to real jobs," the premier said. "An event of this size could well see the host society staff requirement go well beyond 50 people."

Currently, there are 17 full-time positions within the host society. The premier added that recruitment will be carried out by the host society which will advertise to fill the positions from within the local area.

The premier concluded the news conference by presenting a cheque for $17,600 to the host society, representing the proceeds from ticket sales for last November's closing Cabot 500 concert "The Fire Still Burns," which was held at the Canada Games Centre.

The premier noted that many opportunities remain for Canada Games participation at the local and regional level. "The success of the games is not solely tied to major infrastructure funding or significant corporate sponsorships," he said. "There are still many opportunities for participation by small businesses and volunteers."

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, Premier's Office, (709) 729-3564.