Moncton and Saint John Regions Announce 2029 Canada Summer Games Joint Bid Committee Co-Chairs 2024-07-24
The regions of Moncton and Saint John have recently joined forces to submit a bid to co-host the 2029 Canada Summer Games. As part of the bid process, a joint bid committee has been formed to ensure all requirements and processes mandated by the Canada Games Council are met by the bid communities.
To lead these efforts, the Moncton and Saint John regions have named Louis Léger and Bill MacMackin as the respective co-chairs of the committee. Both individuals are highly regarded community leaders with extensive experience in working on major events.
The partnership between Moncton and Saint John for the joint bid yields significant benefits for the Province of New Brunswick. By combining resources, both cities aim to optimize venue usage, leading to infrastructure capital savings. Creating two central hubs, each within a five to 10-minute drive of most venues, ensures efficient logistics and enhances the athlete experience with unique cultural and community engagement opportunities in each city.
The co-chairs’ first task will be to establish the bid committee’s membership and navigate the official Canada Games Council bid process. Municipalities have already submitted venue information, and a technical review visit took place in June.
As the bid process progresses, the committee will be reaching out to local stakeholders to gather input and support for the next phase. This collaborative approach aims to create the strongest bid possible, leveraging community insights and resources.
The second phase of the bid process includes the submission of a comprehensive bid proposal, followed by a review slated for January and February 2025. The final decision to award the 2029 Canada Summer Games will be made by the Canada Games Council in March 2025.
Quotes:
"Sport unites like nothing else. The Moncton and Saint John regions will join forces to showcase New Brunswick’s ability to once again punch above its weight. Together with Bill, we will lead in leveraging our best-in-class sports facilities, empowering athletes to compete at the highest level. The 2029 Canada Games will offer a unique opportunity to celebrate our collective heritage, maritime warmth, and legendary community spirit, which inspire greatness in people, particularly our Canadian sports families."
-Louis Léger, bid committee co-chair
"I'm eager to work with Louis to prioritize the athlete experience in our bid for the 2029 Canada Summer Games. Together, we aim to create an environment that not only celebrates sport but also leverages the unique advantages of our two-city bid, offering diverse New Brunswick cultural experiences and showcasing the best facilities from both cities to enhance the overall athlete experience."
-Bill MacMackin, bid committee co-chair
Co-Chair Biographies and Official Pictures:
Louis Léger brings a distinguished blend of leadership in sport, public service, and entrepreneurial success to his role as co-chair of the Canada Games 2029 bid committee. His career spans various influential positions, including Deputy Minister and Chief of Staff at the Office of the Premier of New Brunswick from 2018 to 2023. He’s currently chair of Greystone Family Office.
He was recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s top 50 CEOs by Progress Magazine. Is a member of YPO.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Louis is deeply committed to public service and community development. He served as a member of l’Université de Moncton Board of Governors and chaired significant initiatives such as the 2011 Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc, which led the promotion of the Avenir Centre. He was instrumental in founding the New Brunswick Adoption Foundation, earning him the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Louis is poised to leverage his extensive experience and passion for sports and community to ensure the success of the Canada Games 2029 bid committee.
Bill MacMackin and his brother are founders of a New Brunswick-based family-owned management company, which owns 30 funeral home locations across four provinces, making them Canada's largest privately-owned firm in the funeral services sector.
Throughout his career, Bill has been actively involved in volunteer work with numerous businesses and economic development groups. An avid runner since his youth as a competitive track athlete, he has dedicated the past 20 years to volunteering in athletics. His roles have included coaching, event hosting, and holding leadership positions within local, provincial and national track & field associations.
Bill has also contributed significantly to various Saint John community projects, such as the development of the Harbour Passage walking trail and the redevelopment of the Canada Games Stadium at UNBSJ. He notably led volunteer efforts behind the development of the Irving Oil Field House.
About the Canada Games:
The Canada Games are the largest multi-sport event in the country for Canadian amateur athletes, alternating every two years between winter and summer editions. Held in every province and the Yukon at least once since their inception in Quebec City in 1967, the Canada Games bring thousands of athletes together to represent their province or territory on the national stage.
Each Games features between 16 and 19 sports over two weeks of competition, with approximately 4,600 summer and up to 3,600 winter participants, including athletes, coaches, and managers, and supported by over 5,000 volunteers. The Canada Games contribute to Canada’s sport development system and the lasting legacy of sport facilities, volunteerism, community pride, and national unity.
Hosted with the tireless dedication of local Host Societies, and with the support of federal, provincial/territorial, and host municipal governments, along with community volunteers and sport and corporate partners, the Canada Games continue to strengthen the fabric of Canada through the power of sport.
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Information:
City of Moncton
Isabelle LeBlanc
Director of Communications
506-853-3592
isabelle.leblanc@moncton.ca
Envision Saint John
Jillian MacKinnon
Chief Operating Officer
506-658-2877 ext. 115
jillian.mackinnon@envisionsaintjohn.com
2029 Canada Games Bid Committee
Louis Léger
Co-Chair
506-852-1629
louis@kbco.ca
2029 Canada Games Bid Committee
Bill MacMackin
Co-Chair
506-647-4931
Bill@Selectfh.ca
Canada Games Council
Adam Ward
VP, Partnerships, Marketing & Communications
647-539-3650
award@canadagames.ca