NSC Oration: The Next Generation of Sport Policy - From Ambition to Action. Leadership at the Frontline in a Changing Canada
| Wednesday, July 1, 2026 |
| 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM |
| Goldfields Theatre |
Details
Canada stands at a pivotal moment in the evolution of sport and physical activity. As the demographic landscape changes, societal expectations shift, sedentary lifestyles rise, and organizational budgets are stretched, the need for bold, future-focused policy has never been greater.
This flagship session brings together national leaders and changemakers to examine the realities shaping the next generation of sport policy—within a uniquely federated system that demands alignment across federal, provincial, and community levels.
This high-calibre panel brings together some of Canada’s most influential leaders in sport, integrity, and community participation to translate policy ambition into real-world impact.
Nathalie Nye, Jeremy Luke, Andrew Baker, and Dr. Marco Di Buono sit at the intersection of national policy, international sport, and grassroots participation. Together, they will offer a unique, system-wide perspective on how Canada can move from strategy to delivery, ensuring sport and physical activity systems are safe, inclusive, and accessible for all.
Candid and forward-looking presentations and panel discussion will explore:
· How national and international priorities are shaping the future of sport in Canada
· The role of integrity, trust, and governance in strengthening participation
· Bridging elite sport, community sport, and public health outcomes
· Practical pathways to align policy, investment, and on-the-ground delivery
More than a reflection, this panel is a call to action, challenging leaders across the sector to think differently, collaborate more deeply, and deliver lasting impact for current and future generations of Canadians.
Speaker
Nathalie Nye
Director General
Sport Canada
Speaker
Biography
Nathalie Nye has served as the Director General (DG) of Sport Canada since October 2023.
As DG of Sport Canada, Nathalie provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Canadian federal government’s investments, programs and policies that support the Canadian sport system at the national level. In this role, she guides initiatives that promote participation and excellence in sport, ensure safe, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for all Canadians, and strengthen the country’s high performance sport development. Nathalie works closely with national level sport organizations, provincial and territorial partners, and key stakeholders to advance Canada’s sport policy objectives and foster a sport environment that reflects Canadian values of fairness, diversity, and integrity.
Nathalie brings her leadership experience from across the Government of Canada, with a career spanning senior roles in multiple departments. Before joining Sport Canada, Nathalie was DG of Major Projects at Transport Canada, where she oversaw complex rail infrastructure initiatives, including the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass project. She also served as DG of Horizontal Integration at the Public Health Agency of Canada, contributing to the national COVID-19 vaccine rollout as part of the Vaccine Rollout Taskforce. Prior to that she was legal counsel with the Department of Justice for over a decade.
