The Canada Games Council (CGC) is thrilled to welcome seven new members to its Board of Directors, after confirming the new additions at its Annual General Meeting: Matt Decourcey, Jaimee Gaunce, Megan Ip, Patrick Jarvis, Philippe Marquis, Scott Russell, and Benjamin Winograd.

Due to the strength of the applicants, the existing CGC Board enacted measures to welcome the new group, amending the organization’s bylaws to expand the Board by one to 15 members. CGC Chair Catriona Le May Doan extended thanks to all applicants and the work of the Nominations Committee.

“I’m thrilled to see such great talent, with new skillsets and experience, joining us in this role within the Canada Games Movement,” she said. “The response we received during our call for nominations, both in quantity and quality, was extraordinary. And in this period of renewed funding to the Canadian sport system, it ensures our governance board is well-equipped to thrive at this critical juncture.”

The CGC’s new Directors, whose first official event will be the October 15 Torch Lighting Ceremony on Parliament Hill in advance of the 2027 Canada Games, have noted their excitement to join the rights holder of Canada’s largest national multisport event at a crucial time. The Games, which began in 1967 in Quebec City to promote national unity between provinces and territories, are celebrating their special 60th anniversary in February, back where they began, and during a time when they are needed more than ever. In addition to the unique perspectives each new Director will bring, this year’s cohort will also enhance the Board’s balance and diversity, and increase its capacity in both official languages.

Matt Decourcey
‍Matt is a former MP for Fredericton, New Brunswick, who participated in the 2013 Canada Games as an official in basketball, bringing multi-faceted experience in government relations, policy development, and team leadership. 

Jaimee Gaunce
‍Jaimee has her roots in Saskatchewan and in operations of multisport Games, including the North American Indigenous Games. With a proven track record of integrating First Nations identity, cultural protocols, and community wellness into multisport event planning and execution, Jaimee brings a unique skillset to the CGC Board. 

Megan Ip
‍Megan has an established career in strategic communications, government relations and public affairs, with experience across the public and philanthropic sectors and a strong background in EDI and governance. She is fluent in both Official Languages and brings expertise in the responsible use of technology within the non-profit sector.

‍Patrick Jarvis
‍Patrick brings experience both as a Paralympian and as a highly-regarded national and international leader in sport, who has served on numerous boards, Games organizing committees, and missions across multiple sport organizations, including as President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Philippe Marquis
‍Philippe is a two-time Olympian and current Freestyle Canada NextGen Head Coach, with extensive experience bringing an athlete perspective to sport governance in his roles as the former Chair of the Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission and a COC Board Director. His leadership in the cross-section of sport and environment fits well for the CGC.

Scott Russell
‍Scott has a voice most Canadians recognize and associate with iconic sporting moments in our history, having recently retired after 40 years as a CBC broadcaster. His early days as a sports broadcaster included on-site coverage of the Canada Games, which he reported on multiple times for CBC – stories he fondly recalls to this day. Scott has since shifted into governance and advisory roles at Nipissing University, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada, and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Benjamin Winograd
‍Benjamin brings substantial expertise in revenue generation, philanthropy, and youth development to the CGC Board. An Executive at RBC, he has co-chaired major workplace giving campaigns, and has experience serving on boards that focus on youth development, education, and community investment. He is deeply committed to leveraging his strategic planning and financial stewardship skills to support the CGC's strategic priorities.

In welcoming the new Board members, the CGC must also bid farewell to four Directors, all of whom served tirelessly during their terms on the Board: Catherine Gosselin-Després, Teddy Katz, Sheri Somerville and David Thibodeau.

“It has been wonderful to get to know each of you, to work with you, and to see your contributions make a direct impact on the Canada Games Movement,” Le May Doan said. “We are fortunate to have had you as Directors on the CGC Board over the last several years, and I know you will continue to make a difference as community and industry leaders moving forward.”

Catherine Gosselin-Després
‍Catherine served as Chair of the Sport & Games Committee, shared incredible knowledge of parasport, and continually reinforced the role of the Canada Games in the High Performance Pathway. Her extensive experience in multisport at the national level served the CGC well in its positioning within the Canadian sport system.

‍Teddy Katz
‍Teddy supported his own transition off the Board as Chair of the Nominations Committee, provided Board-level media training, and has been Chair of the Governance and HR Committee. Throughout his tenure with the Board, Teddy provided expertise and relationship-building among media, communications, and broadcasting.

‍Sheri Somerville
‍Sheri played a key role as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, in supporting Government Relations strategy, as well as by tapping into her network to assist with Revenue Generation. Sheri supported the CGC and 2025 Games to unlock additional revenue potential.

‍David Thibodeau
‍David has chaired the past two Hall of Honour selection processes, and has been a voice for alumni since 2022. David has been instrumental in supporting the CGC’s strategy in environmental impact and ensuring the Games continue to Reflect Canada’s Diversity.

CGC Board elections are scheduled to occur every two years. The next anticipated opportunity to submit nominations to join the Board will open in 2028.