REMARKS BY PRIME MINISTER JEAN CHRÉTIEN AT THE 115^th SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

July 2, 2003
Prague, Czech Republic

President Rogge, members of the IOC.

I am here on behalf of all Canadians to give unconditional support to the Vancouver 2010 bid and to assure you that my commitment and that of my country to the Olympic movement has not diminished since the last time.

We Canadians believe in the Olympic ideal. We embrace the values. We believe sport promotes harmony, excellence, fair play and inclusion in all walks of life.

We believe that sport leads to a healthy lifestyle and can help overcome social barriers. My government supports sport nationally and internationally. We recognize that through sport we live happier, healthier lives.

But for me there is one Olympic concept that supercedes all others. That is Baron de Coubertin's commitment to peace through sport.

Perhaps now more than ever this is an idea whose time has come.

Canadians certainly think so. And Canadians see the Olympic movement as an agent of this virtue.

Now I can assure you of several things if Vancouver should succeed.

• The Games will be fully funded and guaranteed by Canadian governments.
• The Games would be secure. The security system handled by the renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police with the full support of all national and provincial policing agencies will guarantee safety and peace of mind.
• The partnerships formed will be strong and permanent – there will be no interruptions, delays or diversions.
• The athletes, Olympic family, spectators, officials, and the media will have the best environments in which to shape these games.

And you know, everybody will have a great time.

That is my guarantee, that is the wish of all Canadians and that is what this partnership will provide.

I am very proud of what my colleagues here are presenting to you today. It is a sincere expression of the aspirations of all Canadians.

I hope you will agree.

Thank you very much.

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