COC repeats calls for increased federal funding as Paris athletes honoured in Ottawa

By The Canadian Press on December 4, 2024.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau poses for a photo with Olympians and Paralympians during an event in the Parliamentary precinct, in Ottawa, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA – Canada’s Paris Olympic and Paralympic athletes were celebrated on Parliament Hill today.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among a number of dignitaries to speak at a special ceremony in Ottawa.

But amid the celebrations, the Canadian Olympic Committee used the occasion to reiterate calls for increased federal funding for national sport organizations.

The committee submitted its latest budget request to the federal government this week.

While the organization has not made its full submission public, CEO David Shoemaker says the ask is for $144 million, significantly more than they got last year.

The COC has said national sport organizations are financially strapped, and haven’t had a funding increase in 20 years.