Sport Canada

Sport Canada is a branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Its mission is "to enhance opportunities for all Canadians to participate and excel in sport." Sport Canada develops federal sport policy in Canada, provides funding programs in support of sport, and administers special projects related to sport.

Funding from Sport Canada is provided through the Athlete Assistance Program, which gives direct financial support to selected national team athletes; the Sport Support Program, which funds national sports organizations; and the Hosting Program, which helps sport organizations to host the Canada Games and international sport events. Sport Canada special projects include research projects; projects aimed at increasing participation in sport; the Long-Term Athlete Development Model; and Podium Canada, consisting of the Own the Podium and Road to Excellence programs, aimed at improving Canada's performance at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Responsibility for Sport Canada has been given to a Minister of Sport, a junior Cabinet Minister reporting to the Minister of Canadian Heritage. The current Minister of State for Sport is Carla Qualtrough.