OTTAWA, February 9, 2006 -- Minister for International Trade and Minister for
the Pacific
Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics David Emerson today announced $33.88
million in funding for the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Organizing
Committee (VANOC). This announcement fulfills the Government of Canada's
commitment
to support Vancouver 2010 capital requirements for the current fiscal year.

"The Government of Canada has made a major funding commitment to the Games.
Hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is a unique opportunity for
Canada to showcase its accomplishments and innovations to the world," said
Minister
Emerson. "It will also provide sustainable benefits for sport, culture, the
environment, and
the economy across the country and for all Canadians."

"We are proud to help make the 2010 Winter Games truly Canada's Games," the
Minister
added. "We are pleased to be part of a solid 2010 team, which includes VANOC,
the
Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver, the City of Richmond, the
Resort
Municipality of Whistler, the Canadian Olympic Committee, the Canadian
Paralympic
Committee, and the Four Host First Nations Society."

"The Government of Canada is an essential partner in Vancouver 2010's capital
construction program," said Vancouver 2010 Chief Executive Officer John Furlong.
"As we
approach our busiest period of venue construction, we applaud Minister Emerson's
swift
action to transfer funds that were part of the government's original capital
commitment."

The Government of Canada has made a commitment of $235 million to meet VANOC's
capital requirements. Today's announcement of $33.88 million is part of this
commitment
and is in addition to the $8.1 million already received by VANOC. The Government
of
Canada will continue to work closely with the committee to develop a
disbursement
schedule for the rest of the funds.

Information:

Christiane Fox
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for International Trade and
Minister for the Pacific Gateway and
the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613 293-9576

Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 997-9314