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Canada's Winter Sports Face Funding Crisis After Olympics

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 23:09 GMT by The Globe and Mail
      Locales: CANADA, CHINA

Milan-Cortina, Italy - February 23, 2026 - The recently concluded 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have laid bare a concerning reality for Canadian winter sports: a system chronically underfunded and struggling to compete on the world stage. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is sounding the alarm, asserting that the performance struggles witnessed during the Games weren't isolated incidents, but rather symptoms of a deeply flawed and unsustainable funding model.

COC CEO David Shoemaker delivered a stark assessment following the closing ceremony, stating, "We saw the strain. We saw it in the athletes. We saw it in the coaches. We saw it in the national sport organizations." This wasn't simply a matter of individual athletes underperforming; it was a systemic issue impacting preparation, resources, and ultimately, Canada's ability to consistently achieve podium finishes.

The current funding structure heavily relies on cyclical boosts tied to successful Olympic or World Championship results. While celebratory in the short term, this creates a precarious existence for many national sport organizations (NSOs). The COC argues that this 'boom and bust' cycle is fundamentally unsustainable, leaving athletes and programs vulnerable when results don't immediately materialize. A disappointing showing in one cycle can lead to reduced funding, hindering long-term development and creating a downward spiral.

"Right now, we rely on bursts of funding that come with a successful Olympics or a successful world championship," Shoemaker explained. "But that's not sustainable." This reliance on immediate success discourages long-term investment in athlete development, coaching infrastructure, and crucial support staff. Sports with less consistent success often find themselves constantly scrambling for resources, unable to build stable programs that nurture talent from grassroots to elite levels. This is particularly damaging for winter sports, which often have shorter competitive seasons and require significant investment in facilities and travel.

The COC isn't simply asking for more money; they're advocating for a different approach. They envision a strategic, long-term funding model that prioritizes consistent, predictable financial support. This would allow NSOs to plan multi-year training cycles, invest in advanced coaching and sports science, and provide athletes with the stability they need to excel. The emphasis is on building a robust foundation for sustained success, rather than chasing short-term wins.

However, the COC recognizes that the onus isn't solely on the federal government. Shoemaker stressed the need for increased financial commitment from provincial and territorial governments as well. Winter sports infrastructure and development often fall under provincial jurisdiction, meaning a collaborative funding approach is crucial. A unified strategy would ensure resources are allocated effectively across the entire country, maximizing impact and fostering a national pipeline of talent.

The implications of this funding shortfall extend beyond medal counts. Underfunding impacts athlete well-being, forcing many to juggle training with part-time jobs to make ends meet. It also limits access to essential resources like sports psychology, physiotherapy, and nutritional guidance. This creates an uneven playing field, putting Canadian athletes at a disadvantage compared to competitors from nations with more robust support systems.

The COC's call for change comes amidst a broader global trend of increasing costs in elite sport. Facility maintenance, travel expenses, and the rising demands of high-performance training all contribute to escalating budgets. Canada needs to adapt to this new reality and invest strategically to remain competitive.

Several comparable nations, such as Norway and Germany, have adopted long-term funding models that prioritize athlete development and sustainable growth. These countries consistently perform well in winter sports, demonstrating the effectiveness of a proactive and consistent investment strategy. Canada can learn from these examples and tailor a funding model that meets its unique needs and aspirations.

The COC is actively engaging with the federal government and provincial/territorial stakeholders to present their proposal and advocate for change. The urgency is clear: without a fundamental shift in funding priorities, Canada risks falling further behind in the world of winter sports. The 2026 Milan-Cortina Games served as a wake-up call, highlighting the critical need to invest in the future of Canadian athletes and ensure they have the resources they need to compete at the highest level.