The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) acknowledges the Government of Canada’s 2026 Spring Economic Update and its focus on affordability, job creation, and expanding access to opportunities across the country.
We recognise the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney, Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden, and Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne in advancing this update, which includes a $755 million investment over five years (plus $118 million ongoing) to strengthen Canada’s sport system across participation, athlete support, and infrastructure. Within this broader investment, one of the key implications is an equity focus—aimed at increasing access for underrepresented groups, including Black and racialized communities, alongside women and girls, Indigenous peoples, low-income households, and persons with disabilities. This recognition reflects an important and necessary shift—one that aligns with longstanding calls to make sport systems more inclusive and accessible.
At the same time, we must be clear: increasing participation is only one part of the solution. As highlighted in the Final Report of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission, systemic barriers—including racism, discrimination, cost, and lack of culturally relevant programming—continue to limit equitable access and experiences in sport. Addressing these challenges requires sustained, intentional investment not only in access, but in structural change.
This includes:
- Investing in community-led and culturally grounded sport initiatives
- Supporting diverse leadership across all levels of sport
- Ensuring accountability mechanisms that address racism and discrimination within sport systems
- Building pathways that go beyond participation, toward leadership, representation, and decision-making
We also recognize broader commitments in the Update—particularly those focused on youth, skills development, and community safety—which are critical to creating environments where all individuals can thrive both within and beyond sport.
ICSN remains committed to working alongside partners across sectors to ensure that these investments translate into meaningful, long-term impact. The opportunity ahead is not only to expand access, but to reimagine sport systems in Canada so they truly reflect and serve the diversity of this country.
Because building a stronger Canada means building a sport system where everyone belongs.
