February 7th, 2024
Attention: Lana Popham
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Dear Minister Popham,
RE: Support for Play On! Canada
On behalf of BC Hockey, the branch member of Hockey Canada providing stewardship of our game in British Columbia and Yukon, I am writing to confirm our support of Play On! Canada. We are excited that this non-profit organization is set to relaunch this year, as we know the positive impact that can come from well organized community street hockey events in our province and across Canada.
We are well acquainted with Play On! Canada. They have hosted events in our neighborhoods and communities since 2004, including some in collaboration with our local membership. The relaunch this spring will be a welcome addition to our efforts to increase grassroots connections in our communities through fun, safe, and inspirational physical activity built around playing our game.
Here, in our region, I am pleased to see that the Government of British Columbia has already awarded some funding to this organization (via the BC Festivals, Fairs, and Events program) to assist in some specific planned relaunch initiatives. Some municipalities have made local funding commitments as well (or have pledged to do so upon there being a positive response from the Federal Government to an application submitted).
We hope that you will join us in celebrating the return of these important programs to our communities.
Yours sincerely,
Cameron Hope
CEO, BC Hockey