Finance Minister Joe Oliver revealed a CAD20 million (£10 million/$16 million/€15 million) investment in high performance sport, both Paralympic and Olympic, over the four-year period beginning in 2016-2017 during his presentation of Canada's Economic Action Plan 2015-2016.

The figure will also be matched by the private sector.

“We are extremely thankful to have the Government of Canada's support in the development of our next generation of Paralympic athletes, and with this support, we will be able to continue to build Canada's strong future in sport," said Gaetan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

"It's quite encouraging to see that our Government is seeing sport as a strong vehicle for a healthier lifestyle, social change as well as its ability to unite and foster great pride in our country.

"We are investing in our future athletes and that sends a very strong message across our community that Canadians value sport and continue to support our athletes as they strive to achieve their Paralympic dreams."

The national Paralympic body said the increased financial support will go towards coaching, the improvement of athletes’ daily training regimes, and sport science and sport medicine services, particularly for up-and-coming elite athletes that are four to eight years from potentially achieving podium success at the Paralympic Games.

Tardif said the Government’s funding has been critical to the success of the nation’s athletes.

"As we get increasingly excited about celebrating the Year of Sport in 2015 and get ready to host the Americas at the largest Pan/Parapan summer Games in Toronto this summer, such an announcement can only add to the drive and commitment of our athletes and coaches as they prepare for future Paralympic Games,” he added.

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