ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND and LABRADOR--(Marketwire - Aug. 13, 2010) - On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Central Nova), today joined the Honourable Terry French, Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, in announcing a bilateral agreement between the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador in support of sport participation.

"Our Government believes in the importance of working together with provincial and territorial governments to advance collective priorities for sport participation in Canada," said Minister MacKay. "This bilateral agreement will encourage people at all levels in Newfoundland and Labrador to be more physically active and live a healthy lifestyle."

"By entering into this bilateral agreement, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is honouring its commitment to the primary goal of the provincial recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007), to increase participation in recreation, sport and physical activity for all," said Minister French. "As we work together to engage citizens in increased physical activity, our joint effort will play a vital role in the promotion and encouragement of participation in sport."

Under this agreement, the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador each contribute $460,000 per year to increase sport participation in Newfoundland and Labrador among Aboriginal people, children, youth, women, people with disabilities, and other stakeholders such as coaches and officials. The governments' contributions will help manage the following initiatives:

• Premier's Athletic Awards Program;
• School Sports Newfoundland and Labrador – Participation Nation program;
• National Travel Subsidy Program;
• Regional Games Program; and
• Torngat Sport Development Program.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador believe that sport activities contribute to the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of individuals.

The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. 

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)