Government of Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 4, 2008) - The Government of Canada announced today that it will support the hosting of the 2009, 2010, and 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championships.

A total of $750,000 in funding will be provided for the three championships to be held in Canada in 2009, 2010 and 2012. These funds will be used by host cities to encourage participation in hockey and for legacy projects.

"Hockey is Canada's national passion, and the World Junior Hockey Championships are a holiday tradition across our country," said Ottawa West-Nepean MP and Canada's Environment Minister John Baird. "Today's announcement demonstrates that our Government proudly supports the championships with three tournaments taking place in Canada in 2009, 2010, and 2012. And as someone who was born and raised in Ottawa, the 2009 tournament will be even more special as this city will proudly host the world in December and January. I'll be there cheering on Team Canada as we try to make it five in a row at the World Juniors!"

"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce this contribution to host the 2009, 2010, and 2012 IIHF World Junior Championships," said Secretary of State for Sport Helena Guergis. "These events will showcase a high level of hockey and will be a great opportunity to inspire Canadians and reinforce participation in sport at all levels in our communities."

"I would like to take this time to thank the Government of Canada for this contribution, which will help make the next three World Junior Championships in Canada a great success," said Bob Nicholson, President and CEO of Hockey Canada. "These international events are a great source of pride for Canadians and also contribute lasting legacies for grassroots hockey in these host cities and across Canada."

"Our nation has an exceptional record of hosting the IIHF World Junior Championships. The magnitude of this world-class event serves to remind all Canadians how important hockey is to our cultural, economic, and sport identities," said Eugene Melnyk, Chair of Ottawa's Host Organizing Committee. "When we are given an opportunity such as this to host the world, we need to join together to showcase Canada and our national pride."

Canada will host the IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa from December 26, 2008, to January 5, 2009. The 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held in Saskatoon and Regina from late December 2009 to early January 2010, and the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held in Calgary and Edmonton from late December 2011 to early January 2012. Canada has won a medal at 10 consecutive IIHF World Junior Championships, including four consecutive gold medals from 2005 to 2008. For more information on the Championships, visit Hockey Canada's website at www.hockeycanada.ca

The Government of Canada recognizes that sport is a defining part of Canada's identity.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in this country and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. In 2008-2009, the Government of Canada's investment in the Canadian sport system will grow to an all-time high of $166 million.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.