Canada’s Bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games

December 11, 2021

OTTAWA JOURNAL For the week of December 11 – December 15, 2021

Canada has a long and proud history at the Commonwealth Games. The Games are considered to be an important stepping stone for aspiring Olympians and Paralympians. Moreover, Canada has hosted four successful editions of the Games that left a rich legacy of facilities and programming benefits for generations of Canadian athletes. Canada is attempting to carry on this proud tradition by once again supporting the Halifax Regional Municipality’s bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games is a multinational, multi-sport event, which is held every four years and involves elite athletes of the Commonwealth of Nations. Typically, 5,000 athletes participate in the Commonwealth Games and approximately 71 nations celebrate shared values, traditions, and language. The Games feature 17 sports ranging from badminton to weightlifting.

In December 2005, Halifax was chosen by Commonwealth Games Canada to represent Canada in the international competition to stage the 2014 Games. Since that time, the province of Nova Scotia has partnered with the municipal government, as well as the Government of Canada, to ensure the 2014 Bid Society is well supported and prepared to present a strong and fiscally responsible bid. The international bid phase will occur in 2006-2007 with the deadline for formal application to the Commonwealth Games Federation set for May 09, 2007. The successful bid city will be announced in Sri Lanka on November 09, 2007, at the Commonwealth Games Federation’s Annual General Assembly.

On November 30th, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport, announced a commitment of up to $400 million to support this effort. This funding includes an immediate, direct contribution of up to $3.5 million to the 2014 Halifax Commonwealth Games Candidate City Society through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program. Initial funding will support the international bid phase of the process. The remaining funds will assist with operations, capital, legacy, and federal essential services costs associated with hosting the 2014 Games, if Canada is successful in its bid.

Aside from investing in a rich legacy of facilities and programming benefits for future generations of Canadian athletes, the hosting of such a significant international event, presents Canada with a unique and important opportunity to increase its ability to build and expand trade and investment connections with other Commonwealth countries. It also provides an opportunity to showcase Nova Scotia on the international stage and to develop long-term economic growth for the region.

The Games are expected to generate approximately $2 billion in overall economic activity for the region, including millions spent on accommodations, food, and shopping by athletes, officials, and spectators, as well as design and construction jobs for years to come.