Premiers Support Halifax 2014

The Halifax bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games has the full support of all 13 Canadian premiers.

"On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I'm pleased we have the full support from all provinces and territories," said Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald. "The games are more than an event, they are part of our overall effort to expand our province and region economically and culturally with healthy and active citizens --now and for years to come."

During the Council of the Federation meeting in Newfoundland, the premiers discussed, among many topics, the promotion of Canada through sport and the need to support healthy living across the country. From these discussions the premiers announced their full support for Canada's bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Halifax.

"Clearly, our leaders recognize the importance of sport in building a strong future for Canada," said Scott Logan, Halifax 2014 CEO. "The Halifax 2014 Games will not only create an opportunity to showcase our athletes, but also provide a foundation for sport development and healthy living in our communities."

The Commonwealth Games are an international sport and cultural event held every four years in which athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories compete. In December 2005, Halifax won the right to be Canada's candidate city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

In competition with Glasgow, Scotland, and Abuja, Nigeria, the Halifax 2014 bid committee is now focused on developing and winning the international bid, which will be awarded by the Commonwealth Games Federation on Nov. 9, 2007, in Sri Lanka.