In 2022, the Northwest Territories had initially requested, and was approved by federal, provincial, and territorial governments, to be the host jurisdiction for the 2035 Canada Winter Games.

Following today’s decision, the Canada Games Council will now work with federal, provincial and territorial governments to identify a new host jurisdiction. Given the advance notice, this will not impact the formal timelines for the bid or planning of the 2035 Canada Winter Games. The 2035 Canada Games bid process will proceed as scheduled in late 2028.

Hosting the Canada Games has demonstrated proven economic, community-building, and sport benefits, Games after Games. The investment in any Canada Games regularly delivers an economic impact of greater than $200 million, galvanizes community engagement through volunteerism, leaves significant legacies in sport facilities for future generations, and provides the opportunity for youth to shine in their athletic pursuits, as the nation unites through the power of sport.

The Canada Games were successfully hosted in the North in 2007, when the Canada Winter Games were hosted in Whitehorse, resulting in a financial surplus and legacies that continue to be felt in Whitehorse and the Yukon. The CGC is committed to working with all jurisdictions to ensure the Canada Games can continue to be hosted from coast to coast to coast.