The Government of Yukon has begun distributing $1,687,000 in federal relief funds to support local not-for-profit sport and recreation organizations affected by COVID-19. This funding is part of the $500 million in COVID-19 relief funding that the Government of Canada announced in May 2020 for cultural, heritage and sport organizations across the country.
The Government of Yukon’s Sport and Recreation branch is administering the funds directly to eligible not-for-profit sport and recreation organizations. These Yukon organizations can use the funds to cover COVID-19 related expenses they may have previously incurred because of closures or may experience in the future, as they adapt and operate under new guidelines.
Our recreation and sport organizations play such a vital role in our lives as Yukoners. They help keep us physically active and mentally healthy. They provide training and skill development. They give us opportunities to connect with each other. Sport & recreation groups, like many other organizations in our territory, have been affected by COVID-19. Thanks to the federal government, we’re hopeful these relief funds will support sport organizations as we all adapt to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.
Minister of Community Services John Streicker
Recreation is important, as it helps build inclusive communities, where families and friends can have fun and spend time together. In times like these where isolation is part of our day-to-day lives, it is especially important that we stay active and healthy for our overall physical and mental health. These funds will help keep us connected, as we navigate our ‘new normal’.
Member of Parliament for Yukon Larry Bagnell
To ensure eligible organizations receive this funding as soon as possible, the Sport and Recreation branch is first distributing $1,259,660, or roughly 75 per cent of the funds allocated to Yukon, to its existing clients, using a standard formula.
Sport and recreation organizations that are not clients of the branch and have sport or active recreation as a primary mandate can contact Sport Yukon on how to potentially access funding.
In the fall, after feedback and evaluation, the Government of Yukon will distribute the remaining $427, 331.
Examples of eligible expenses include costs typically covered by other revenues lost due to COVID-19 restrictions, hiring extra staff, materials or equipment required to mitigate impacts of COVID-19 or funding strategic planning in anticipation of future COVID-19 impacts.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Odile Nelson
Communications, Community Services
867-332-0886
odile.nelson@gov.yk.ca
Susan Moorhead Mooney
Office of Larry Bagnell
867-668-6565
larry.bagnell.C1@parl.gc.ca