Moncton and Saint John Region to Host 2029 Canada Summer Games

The following is being distributed on behalf of the Government of New Brunswick and the Canada Games Council.

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The City of Moncton and the Saint John region have been named official hosts of the 2029 Canada Summer Games.

“New Brunswick is proud to host the 2029 Canada Summer Games,” said Premier Susan Holt. “We’re excited to welcome folks from across the country and show off everything we love about our beautiful province; from our caring people to our culture, our food, and so much more.”

Community leaders collaborated on a joint bid to host the top young athletes from across Canada in the nation’s largest amateur multi-sport event. This will be the 32nd edition of the Canada Games.

"We are absolutely thrilled to see the Canada Summer Games come to life in Moncton and Saint John in 2029,” said Catherine Gosselin-Després, chair of the 2029 Canada Games bid evaluation committee. “Both regions put together a remarkable and collaborative bid, and I wish to thank them and the bid evaluation committee for their tireless efforts throughout the bid phase. Moncton and Saint John will undoubtedly create a transformative experience for Canada’s next generation of athletes and leaders that will spark greatness across the nation.”

New Brunswick has hosted the Canada Games twice: the 1985 Canada Summer Games in Saint John and the 2003 Canada Winter Games in Bathurst-Campbellton.

The Games are often a stepping stone in the development of Canada’s national, international, Olympic, Paralympic and Special Olympics champions.

"We are thrilled that Moncton and the Saint John region have been selected to host the 2029 Canada Games,” said Paulette Thériault, deputy mayor of Moncton. “From our rich Acadian heritage to our dynamic arts and music scene, Moncton is a city that embraces culture in every form, and we can’t wait to share that spirit with the entire nation. Moncton has a proven track record of successfully welcoming national and international events, and we are ready to bring that same energy and excellence to the Canada Games. Alongside our partners in the Saint John region, we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for athletes, coaches and fans from coast to coast to coast.”

The event features two weeks of competition, between 16 and 20 sports, about 4,600 participants (athletes, coaches and managers), and more than 5,000 volunteers.

“We applaud the collaborative efforts of the Saint John region and the City of Moncton to host the 2029 Canada Games,” said Hampton Mayor Robert Doucet, who is also vice-chair of the Fundy Regional Service Commission. “Working together, our regions have demonstrated a commitment to delivering an exceptional Games and cultural experience for athletes, coaches, volunteers, visitors and our broader communities. The Saint John region is home to Canada’s oldest incorporated city, with a vibrant waterfront and a historical uptown core, surrounded by beautiful towns and waterways. Together, we look forward to hosting the country and showcasing our beautiful province.”

Anticipated long-term benefits of hosting the Canada Games include:

• Significant economic impacts, based on Sport Tourism Canada’s economic impact assessments. The two most recent Canada Games have each generated more than $200 million in overall economic activity in the host province.

• The ability to leverage significant investments by accessing funding from federal and provincial governments, as well as financial support from private and corporate donations.

• New and/or improved community infrastructure that supports sport, health and wellness.

• Increased media exposure locally, regionally and nationally.

• A new base of community volunteers with training to host major events.

• A legacy of community pride.

“This is a milestone moment for our province and a tremendous opportunity to shine a national spotlight on New Brunswick,” said Louis Léger, who, with Bill MacMackin, co-chairs the 2029 Canada Games bid committee. “We see these Games as a catalyst to elevate athlete and sport development across the province, creating stronger pathways for young athletes to pursue excellence and compete at the highest levels.”

“The enthusiasm and support we’ve seen from community leaders across the province has been inspiring,” said MacMackin. “It is a clear sign that New Brunswick is ready to deliver an inclusive, impactful and unforgettable Games for all Canadians.”