Underneath all the sport competitions, music concerts, pin trading and poutine there were some large meetings behind closed doors held over the past two weeks between government cabinet ministers at the Canada Winter Games.
Every province, territory, and the federal government gathered their ministers of sport (or official designates) into one room at the outset of the Games. The meeting was hosted by Coralee Oakes, the province's Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Her co-host was Canada's Minister of State for Sport Bal Gosal.
By coincidence, both of these ministers grew up in Quesnel, only a 90-minute drive from Games Plaza in downtown Prince George.
"Thank you for your ideas, your collaboration, for your friendship," said Oakes to the interprovincial ministerial delegations as they closed their two days of meetings at the Ramada Hotel conference area.
Oakes said the conversations centred on health and fitness goals for all Canadians even more than on elite athletics. With the Games as the dominant backdrop, though, there was definitely dialogue about the state of sport in Canada.
"The other provinces talked with me a lot about the level of First Nations engagement in these Games, and that led into discussions we are all having at our provincial tables about including vulnerable populations in our health and fitness goals. (Lheidli T'enneh First Nation) Chief Dominic Frederick spoke to us all, and his words had a great impact on myself and my colleagues from across the country. He gave us a lot to think about."
Several years ago then-premier Gordon Campbell publicly stated the provincial government's intent to make B.C. the healthiest jurisdiction in Canada. Oakes said that mission was accomplished and surpassed, as evidenced by the recent Conference Board of Canada report that placed Switzerland and Sweden as the top two jurisdictions in the world for health, followed by British Columbia. Ontario came in seventh and Canada as a nation came in 10th.
"We have reached our targets, so now it is time to set new targets," said Oakes.
With that, Oakes announced that the province of British Columbia was declaring 2015 to be The Year Of Sport, a title declared federally as well by Governor General David Johnston, who will be in Prince George for the closing ceremony.
"This proclamation celebrates the formidable role British Columbia has as a leader in sport," Oakes said. "It emphasizes the tremendous social, economic and health benefits of sport and expresses gratitude for the volunteers, coaches, officials, and organizations in this sector. In all, this proclamation captures the spirit and sentiments of British Columbians as the nation's spotlight shines on our great province during the 2015 Canada Winter Games. I could not be more proud of Team B.C.'s performance during this landmark event.
"Congratulations to everyone involved."
While she wasn't cheering for any Team B.C. athletes in particular, she did reveal her bias.
"I will point out, though, that Quesnel has five athletes at the Canada Winter Games. Just sayin'."
She also pointed out that Burnaby North MLA Richard Lee's daughter, Leanne, competed in table tennis. Leanne Lee made it into the top-10 in the individual female competition, won bronze in the team female event, and is at the table today at noon at Duchess Park with partner Michael Luo playing for bronze in mixed doubles.
Gosal said Prince George was a strong host community and Oakes had a strong agenda for ministerial discussions.
"The conversations were focused on how we could work together, not just in this Year of Sport but for years to come," he said.
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