The Government of Canada is dedicated to strengthening the integrity of sport and improving impact measurement to ensure contributions reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
GOLD COAST, Australia, April 5, 2018 /CNW/ - At the 9th Commonwealth Sports Ministers' Meeting, Stéphane Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Persons with Disabilities, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, reiterated Canada's commitment to continuing to improve the measuring of sport contributions in reaching the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and well-being, gender equality and sustainable communities.
The Government of Canada believes that measuring and reporting the impact of its contributions is important to the integrity of sport world-wide. While it is clear that sport can make a positive contribution to social development, there is little consideration and few plans in place for tracking and reporting the impact of sport in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
In the friendly spirit of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Mr. Lauzon reminded participants that Canada is strengthening its domestic and international policy to maximize the benefits of investing in sport. Canada called on the Commonwealth sport community to:
- Support international cooperation in strengthening measurement and evaluation of sport policy;
- Work together to help link national sport policy goals and objectives to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and Targets; and
- Request that the Commonwealth Secretariat establish a more extensive working group—whose membership reflects the diversity of the Commonwealth—to support the work of the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport working group in measuring sport's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Quotes
"Sport has long been used in the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities to help strengthen health, education and social inclusion objectives. We need to continue working together to better measure how sport can assist in reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I invite all sport ministers to consider our recommendations to ensure the harmonization of sport-related data collection and evaluation processes in the Commonwealth. This will improve reporting and strengthen the integrity of sport in the Commonwealth and worldwide."
—The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
"Our government is committed to providing opportunities for Canadians of all ages and all abilities to engage in sport and physical activity, because we know that embracing the power of sport leads to active lifestyles, healthier citizens and stronger communities. Measuring our contributions on the global stage is important because sport is an international arena, and support for the sport system involves many partners—including national governments, sport organizations and the private sector."
—Stéphane Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Persons with Disabilities
Quick Facts
On September 25 2015, world leaders adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years.
Canada and India signed the Memorandum of Understanding this year on Cooperation in Sport to address critical ongoing and emerging issues with the health, development, cultural and social benefits of sport. Recently Cricket Canada, along with Mercuri Talent of Mercuri Group (India), announced the launch of a Global T-20 Canadian Cricket League.
Associated Links
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
Media only: Annabelle Archambault, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, 819-953-1275; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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