Olympics
Posted on March 2, 2010
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and Liberal Critic for Amateur Sport and the Vancouver Olympics Joyce Murray made the following statement today as the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games draw to a close:
“I want to congratulate all the athletes that took part in the Olympic Games. Each of these performances made the Olympic spirit live once again“, said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff.
“It is with great pride that we say farewell to the 2010 games and congratulate all participants for representing Canada with such talent, enthusiasm and vigour on the international stage. And we thank all of the families and coaches that have supported our athletes every step of the way, helping them deliver performances of a lifetime at the Olympics.“
“Following a magnificent gold medal win by our men’s hockey team, we can truly say that these games brought Canadians from coast to coast to coast together in a show of patriotism that was truly inspiring. Whether it was our athletes who gave it their all to make us the country that won the most gold medals in any winter games, or the thousands of volunteers, the organizing committee, the Aboriginal communities, or the fans, everyone can be proud of how we welcomed the world to our doorstep, and made these games such a success.“
“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary caucus, I salute all Canadians who made these games their own, and showed the world what a great host nation we can be. I also look ahead with great anticipation to the upcoming Paralympic games starting March 12th, when we will once again wow the world with our pool of talent and Canadian hospitality.”
“It has been a great joy to welcome the world to my city, and I am so very proud of everyone who participated in these games,” said Ms. Murray. “It’s because of the dedication and patriotism displayed by all – from the athletes, volunteers and organizers, to the exuberant fans right across the country – that these games have been an unprecedented success. I have never been so proud to call Vancouver and Canada my home. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is something I and all Canadians will not soon forget. Congratulations to all.”
Posted on
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff again reiterated his full support for the Own the Podium program after Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday refused to reverse his government’s ill-advised decision to cut its funding.
“Canada’s athletes had a remarkable Olympics, leading the way with more gold than any country ever,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “After the success we’ve had, Canadians agree that Own the Podium was a good investment. We want our country’s best athletes – who’ve made us so proud over the last two weeks – to inspire young Canadians in every corner of this country, on every local ski hill and in every neighbourhood arena.”
Mr. Ignatieff yesterday repeated the Liberal commitment to maintain Own the Podium’s funding with $22 million in long-term, predictable federal support after the Harper government announced it will only continue with $11 million for two years, leaving an $11 million shortfall and uncertainty going forward.
“As Liberals, we’re proud of our role in developing this program, and we support its continuation,” said Mr. Ignatieff. “Not only do we want to keep the best sporting expertise in Canada, but our investment in the top of the pyramid of our sporting activity is also an investment in the base. We can inspire even more young Canadians to ‘own the podium’ of the future and widen sporting participation, improving the health of our children in the process.”
Own the Podium was originally launched in 2005 under a Liberal government, with the support of Canada’s 13 winter national sport organizations, Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Vancouver Organizing Committee.
Liberal Critic for Amateur Sport and the Vancouver Olympics Joyce Murray also took Mr. Harper to task for attempting to take credit for the Own the Podium program.
“The Prime Minister is content to capitalize on the high that Canadians are feeling towards the Olympic Games and our athletes with countless photo-ops,” said Ms. Murray. “But when it comes to supporting our athletes, he’s all too eager to take credit for Own the Podium while cutting its funding.”
Posted on February 12, 2010
| For Immediate Release
February 12, 2010
VANCOUVER – Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement as the Vancouver Olympics opened today:
“After years of planning and anticipation, today Canadians proudly welcome the world to beautiful Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Tonight’s opening ceremonies will provide an exciting launch for the next 17 days, when all Canadians will live the Olympic dream.
Today we also recognize the Aboriginal peoples who have welcomed the world to take part in the games hosted on their ancestral lands, and start the countdown to the opening of the Paralympics games on March 12th.
When our athletes leave the starting gate, years of training will become moments of Olympic glory. They will inspire our country, and show the world what Canada can do.
We’re proud of the athletes who will wear our colours on the ice and on the course. Pushed to their limits, we know they’ll find the strength to succeed. In those few short seconds where history is made, we’ll be with them, cheering and on the edge of our seats.
On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary caucus, I wish all of our Olympians and Paralympians the best of luck in their quest for a medal. All Canadians are behind you and cheering ‘Go, Team Canada!’”
Liberal Critic for Amateur Sport and the Vancouver Olympics, Joyce Murray, added:
“The Opening Ceremony for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is an event of historic significance that has provided Canada with an incredibly unique opportunity to tell our national story and welcome the world.
This amazing display of Canadian history and cultural heritage will be an outstanding, once-in-a-lifetime event. After years of preparation by games organizers, volunteers and the athletes themselves, it is thrilling to see the curtains finally rise on the 2010 games.”
Link to video statement:
http://lpc.ca/van2010
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Contact:
Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740
Office of Joyce Murray, MP: 613-992-2430
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Posted on December 30, 2009
December 30, 2009
VANCOUVER- Joyce Murray, MP for Vancouver Quadra and Official Liberal Critic for Amateur Sport and the Vancouver Olympics issued the following statement on the Conservative Party’s prorogation of Parliament and avoidance of responsibility:
“The Olympic Games are about the athletes, the thousands of volunteers, and the communities that make these Games possible. The Olympics should NOT be about the politicians.
Yet, the Conservative Government has chosen to use the Vancouver 2010 Olympics for political gain. With the Mr. Harper’s request to prorogue Parliament in order to attend the Games’ festivities, 35 bills, various committees, and issues are at stake and needed government action will be delayed, if not lost.
Mr. Harper is trying to use a get-out-of-jail free card and avoid inquiry on the transfer of Afghan detainees – for which Conservative Parliamentarians have failed to attend the last two meetings.
If Mr. Harper wanted to support to Canadian athletes, he would support the democratic institutions that this country is founded upon. Canada’s Olympic athletes have worked the entire lives to represent their communities. It is shameful the Prime Minister is using them to serve his partisan objectives.
A successful and memorable Games in no way requires Canada’s politicians to stop working and ignore important decisions on the various bills and work by different committees.
While Canadian athletes strive for gold, the Conservative government has failed to reach podium. This failure in leadership will cost the country hardship and money waiting for important decisions.
And this time, Canadian voters and taxpayers are the losers.”
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Posted on December 22, 2009
December 22, 2009
Dear Right Hon. Prime Minister Stephen Harper,
As the Liberal Opposition Critic for Amateur Sport and the Olympics and proud supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, I write to express my concern regarding the discrimination faced by women ski jumpers who have been excluded from the 2010 Games. It is unacceptable for the Canadian government to be complicit in this breach of rights, and the government can and must take immediate corrective action.
The B.C. Supreme Court has acknowledged that the exclusion of women ski jumping in the 2010 Games is a classic case of gender discrimination, a finding that was not overturned by the Court of Appeal. In 2006, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) denied women jumpers inclusion into the 2010 Games, 83 women from 14 nations were competing at the elite international level in ski jumping. By comparison, the sport of women’s ski cross, which was newly added to the Olympics at that time, included only 34 women from 10 nations competing at the elite level. Also in 2006, the International Sports Federation (which governs all snow sports), recommended by a 114-1 vote that the IOC should include the women ski jumpers; this validates their having met the criteria to qualify for inclusion.
Unfortunately, today’s refusal by the Supreme Court of Canada to hear the case of women ski jumpers confirms the lack of jurisdiction of Canadian courts over the IOC, a corporation based in Switzerland. In absence of a legal resolution, a political solution is required. Gender discrimination is a clear violation of Canadian values, is contrary to Section 15 (1) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and is prohibited under both the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Human Rights Code of British Columbia. Therefore the government must prevent this egregious act of discrimination.
In 2007 Canadian women ski jumpers filed a discrimination complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission. That complaint went to arbitration and was settled with the federal government promising to lobby effectively for their participation in the Vancouver 2010 Games. To date the women ski jumpers have seen no such government advocacy on their behalf. On the contrary, by supporting and enabling the IOC ‘s discriminatory decision to bar women ski jumpers, the Conservative government is tolerating, and indeed is complicit in a policy of gender discrimination.
As an Official Partner and funder of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games taking place on Canadian soil, the Government of Canada is responsible to ensure that decisions made by the IOC do not take away the women ski jumpers’ right to equal participation. Canadian taxpayers should be outraged that the government is spending public funds promoting an initiative that blatantly violates Canadian values and policies supporting equality.
It is not too late to right this wrong, and it is not too late for the women ski jumpers to compete in the 2010 Games. Thanks to support from VANOC for these women athletes, they continue to train on Olympic facilities and remain ‘Games-ready’. VANOC has ensured the budget, facilities, and logistical capability to include women’s ski jumping in the 2010 Winter Olympics, if the decision is made soon.
I request that your government immediately exert appropriate pressure on the IOC, as promised in 2007, to do what’s right. I ask that you insist the IOC comply with Canadian principles of equality and eliminate this gender discrimination. Both men and women ski jumpers must be afforded the opportunity by the IOC to compete at the 2010 Games. If not, then to avoid discrimination, neither should be permitted to participate.
I look forward to your prompt response on this very important defense of Canada’s Charter rights.
Best regards,
Joyce Murray,
Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra
Liberal Official Opposition Critic for Amateur Sport and the Olympics
Cc:
Hon. Gary Lunn
MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands
Minister of State (Sport)
