“Canadian Olympians Celebrated in Ottawa with Funding Boost”

Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes received recognition in Ottawa on Wednesday. Athletes from the Milano-Cortina Games in Italy explored the capital city, starting their day with Gov. Gen. Mary Simon at Rideau Hall before gathering for a reception on Parliament Hill. Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the government’s pledge of $755 million over five years as a demonstration of support for Canadian athletes. Advocates from the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees have long pushed for increased core funding for national sport organizations, which has remained stagnant for over two decades. Athletes in attendance expressed appreciation for the funding boost but raised concerns about the allocation of the funds. During the event, Carney engaged with athletes, including Rachel Homan, a three-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist, who gifted the prime minister a copy of her recently published children’s book on curling.