Province of B.C. supports the 2018 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships

VANCOUVER – The Province of B.C. is investing $110,000 in the 2018 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, announced the Honourable Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Ranked as a qualifier event to join Canada’s team at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in South Korea, the national skating championships will take place at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre from January 8 -14, 2018.  The pre-eminent all-Canadian sporting event will feature approximately 250 skaters in the men, women, pair, and ice dance disciplines, competing in three levels: senior, junior, and novice. The event will be broadcast live by CTV which will draw viewers from across the country to Vancouver.  The anticipated economic activity generated by the competition is $6 million.

“Government’s support of the competition will help market the event and showcase Vancouver’s world-class sport facilities,” said Lisa Beare, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture.  “Events like the Canadian Tire National Skating Championship help support a thriving tourism sector that supports nearly 19,000 businesses and 127,700 employees in the province.”  I wish the athletes the best and I hope they have an opportunity to explore our beautiful province during their visit.”

“Skate Canada is honoured to be hosting the 2018 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships in British Columbia.” said Debra Armstrong, CEO, Skate Canada. “Vancouver is a wonderful city with a tremendous skating history, and we are confident that they will be gracious hosts and produce an outstanding event. We commend the Government of British Columbia for helping us achieve our vison of inspiring all Canadians to embrace the joy of skating.”

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture awarded the event $100,000 through the Tourism Events Program in addition to $10,000 from Hosting BC though ViaSport. The Tourism Events Program supports events that raise awareness nationally and internationally of British Columbia’s tourism experiences and motivates Canadians and people from other countries to travel and experience British Columbia. The program also supports events that generate tourism and economic activity in communities and regions across the province. The Province of BC invests and funds event hosting through the Hosting BC grant program to facilitate economic and community development brought forth through notable sporting events.

Quick Facts:

  • In addition to the funding announced today, the Government of B.C. invests approximately $50 million in sport and over $110 million in the tourism sector annually.
  • In 2016, 5.5 million international visitors came to B.C. – a 12.3% increase (605,198 more visitors) compared to 2015.
  • In 2015, the tourism industry generated $15.7 billion in revenues with a direct contribution to B.C.’s gross domestic product of $7.4 billion.

Learn More:

Tourism Events Program:
http://www.destinationbc.ca/BC-Tourism-Industry/Municipal-and-Regional-District-Tax-Program/Tourism-Events-Program.aspx

ViaSport:
http://www.viasport.ca/

Media Contact:
Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
250-893-4449

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