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If you are a coach, volunteer, parent or participant, please join us for this interactive session with Nordiq Canada’s leadership to learn, share and discuss the future of the organization.

Hosted in-person and online, the purpose of this Town Hall is to engage and consult with the community on important topics that will shape the future of our sport.

We look forward to seeing you there!

DETAILS

When: Sunday, March 8th 2026, 3pm ET

Where: Delta Hotels, Mont Sainte-Anne, QC

How to attend: In person or via Teams link

AGENDA

• 1. Welcome, introductions and objectives – Beckie Scott, CEO
  2. National High Performance Program strategy and structure – Eric deNys, acting High Performance Director
  3. Technique Digital Platform project – Eric deNys
  4. Youth retention and development consultation – Eric deNys
     • U12 race licenses/awards and race recognition
     • Common wax protocol proposal
     • Gender equity in distance events
  5. Long-term Calendar and rational – Jeff Ellis, Events and Officials Manager
  6. Canada Points List – Jeff Ellis
  7. Reclaimed Wood Product opportunity – Jeff Ellis
  8. CCUNC category – Jeff Ellis

All eyes were on the current U23 World Cup leader Mackie heading into the championships, marked as one of the favourites for the day. Despite the added pressure, she managed the early laps with patience, staying tucked into the draft of the lead group. “It was about racing smart,” said Mackie. “I stayed in the pack, conserved energy, and I knew if I was first over the top of the last hill, I’d have a really good chance of winning.” 

As the pace surged into the final climb, Mackie made her move, cresting the hill with a gap over her competition and charging into the final straight. “The finish here is short, so positioning is everything,” she added. “I skied the last kilometre perfectly and couldn’t be happier.” 

The magnitude of the moment hit her as she crossed the line. “It’s definitely an indescribable feeling. I’m really, really happy and proud,” said Mackie. “This whole week has been fantastic for Team Canada, everyone is lifting each other up, and that gave me so much confidence heading into the final lap.” 

Mackie took the win finishing at a time of 49:41, with Norway’s Eva Ingebrigtsen finishing second and France’s Léonie Perry third. 

Eva INGEBRIGTSEN, NOR, bib number 3, run 1, Alison MACKIE, CAN, bib number 2, run 1, Leonie PERRY, FRA, bib number 1, run 1, winner photo, U23 Women’s 20km Mass Start Free at FIS Junior and U23 World Cross-Country Ski Championships in Lillehammer, Norway, 2026-03-05, Photo Credit: Fredrik Hagen

Two hours after Mackie’s gold, it was McKeever’s turn to battle for a U23 World Championships medal. “I was hearing O Canada as they played the anthem for her,” said McKeever. “That was a really cool moment, definitely some inspiration for sure.” 

In a stacked men’s field, McKeever navigated a chaotic first lap, then much like Mackie settled into the draft and conserved energy. “It was super competitive all the way,” he said. “I had to be careful with positioning and make smart moves late.” The lead group of 10 charged into the final straight, each fighting for a place on the podium. 

“I had two really good downhills and a really good crest of the final hill going into the finish,” he added. “Once the inside lane opened up, I shut my brain off and went for it, sprinted as hard as I could.” 

Finding a sliver of daylight through the traffic, McKeever lunged for the line to finish third behind Germany’s Elias Keck who finished at a time of 43:32, and Savelii Korostelev in silver.  

The bronze was a long time coming. “It feels amazing,” he said. “I’ve been chasing an individual medal at this event for years, so to finally break through is a relief and a testament to all the hard work.” He celebrated with teammates just beyond the finish. “Seeing the Canadian flags, hearing the anthem earlier for Alison, it was pretty sweet. Days like this show what’s possible for our team.” 

The two medals come amid three straight days of celebration for Canada at the championships. “We’ve had a top‑10 every day at these championships, and the momentum is lifting the whole team,” McKeever said. “You see it on the World Cup, at the Olympics, and here at World Juniors and U23s, Canada is on the come‑up. It’s motivating to be part of a group where so many people are doing great things.” 

Mackie echoed that sentiment. “Everyone here is doing so well,  it’s inspiring,” she said. “Our juniors, U23s and seniors are pushing the standard together. That energy carried me today.” 

“This is truly a historic day for Canadian skiing,” said Nordiq Canada CEO Beckie Scott. “We knew how talented and strong this team was going into the championships, and seeing these medals and the results the team has had is proof that Canada’s skiers, coaches and wax techs are on the rise, moving the bar forward every season.” 

Racing at the FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships continues through March 8 in Lillehammer, with the mixed team relays still to come. 

Full Results: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?sectorcode=CC&eventid=62427&seasoncode=2026 

Serrouya stuck with the lead group throughout the race, sprinting to the line in a fight for the final spot on the podium and missing the medal by just 0.4 seconds. “It’s so exciting. I’m very proud of myself today, but I’m also feeling the strength of the whole Canadian team, the atmosphere is electric,” said Serrouya. Describing the final kilometres, she added: “I wasn’t really thinking. I tried to stay relaxed and let my body do its thing, and I just gave it everything I had.” Reflecting on how close the podium was, Serrouya said: “Today exceeded my expectations. Maybe it’s bittersweet when you realize how close a medal was, but there’s no part of me that’s disappointed, just excited imagining what that could have been like.” 

Canada’s depth was evident, with Louison Dubeif finishing sixth, Sarah‑Ève Picard in 16th and Madeleine Wilkie 29th. 

Luisa DAHLKE, GER, Julie SAND-HANSSEN, NOR, Heidi BUCHER, AUT, Ruby SERROUYA, CAN, Iselin Bjervig DRIVENES, NOR, Louison DUBIEF, CAN, podium photo, Junior Women’s 20km Mass Start Free at FIS Junior and U23 World Cross-Country Ski Championships in Lillehammer, Norway, 2026-03-04, Photo Credit: Fredrik Hagen

In the men’s mass start, Moreau delivered one of the most resilient performances of the day after a crash 2.5 kilometres into the race. “It was really tough. After the crash I was about 70th and had to spend a lot of energy moving back up to the lead group,” said Moreau. By the midpoint of the race, he had made it back into the leaders to contend for the podium. “I did my race, tried to recover what I could, and I’m really happy to finish fifth in the world. Our skis were excellent today, the service team and coaches nailed it, and I finished it off with a good sprint.” 

Moreau also highlighted the impact of the team’s early success on his performance. “All the Canadians have been performing well since the start here. Seeing the girls this morning on great skis, that motivates everyone.” 

Thierry Olivier, Teo Wadsworth and Eamon Wilson crossed the line in succession, finishing 23rd, 24th and 25th respectively. 

Marco PINZANI, ITA, Emil August LONGVA, NOR, Anton KEMPPI, FIN, Daniel PEDRANZINI, ITA, Zachari MOREAU, CAN, Tine SPORN, SLO, podium photo, Junior Men’s 20km Mass Start Free at FIS Junior and U23 World Cross-Country Ski Championships in Lillehammer, Norway, 2026-03-04, Photo Credit: Fredrik Hagen

The first two days of competition have showcased the strength of Canada’s developing athletes, and the potential of Canada in the sport. With momentum building, the mixed team relays on March 8 will be a race to watch as the team looks to return to the podium after winning the U23 mixed team relay at the 2023 championships. 

The contract renewal coincides with one of Canada’s most successful Olympic performances in recent years, with standout and historic results made possible by the dedication of athletes, coaches, and partners like Haywood Securities. 

Haywood’s support for Canadian cross-country skiing began in 2001. The company’s early investment and belief in the program played a critical role in Canada’s breakthrough at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, where Beckie Scott won Canada’s first-ever Olympic medal in cross-country skiing. 

“Haywood came on when we needed support the most, and their impact and partnership were truly instrumental,” said Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada and Olympic Champion. “We now see Haywood supporting this new generation of Canadian talent, who have just proved at the Olympic Games how promising the future is for this team.” 

Haywood Securities has supported Canada’s cross-country athletes for more than two decades, contributing to multiple Olympic, Paralympic, and World Championships medals. 

“We take immense pride in supporting Canadian athletes and being part of Canada’s cross-country ski team,” said Rob Blanchard, President and CEO of Haywood Securities. “This sport reflects qualities we deeply value: resilience, hard work, and excellence. We are honoured to continue standing behind the athletes who represent Canada with such passion and determination on the world stage.” 

As Canada’s athletes prepare for the 2026 FIS Nordic World Junior and U23 World Ski Championships in Lillehammer, Norway, and the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, they will move forward with confidence knowing they carry the support of Canadians nationwide, along with the unwavering commitment of Haywood Securities. 

For more information on Haywood Securities Inc., visit: https://www.haywood.com/ 

Heading into his fourth Paralympic Winter Games, McGregor is a well-recognized leader within the Paralympic Movement. A co-captain of the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team, he holds two Paralympic silver medals (2022, 2018) and a bronze (2014). He is also a three-time world champion, most recently in 2024 alongside his Para ice hockey teammates.

“The Canadian flag represents resilience, courage, and unity – values that define the Paralympic Movement and Canada’s team,” said McGregor. “It’s the honour of a lifetime to carry Canada’s spirit onto the world stage at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. This honour reflects the support of my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and community who have stood beside me throughout this incredible journey through sport and life. “I’m filled with pride, deep gratitude, and a tremendous respect for the opportunity to represent a team that truly reflects the very best of Canada.”

With seven Paralympic medals over two Games appearances, Wilkie is one of the world’s most successful Para nordic skiers. She was one of the breakout stars at PyeongChang 2018, winning a medal of each colour in her debut Games at age 17. She followed it up with four more at Beijing 2022 – two golds, one silver, and one bronze. She is currently the reigning Para biathlon Crystal Globe holder as the overall champion in the women’s standing category.

“I’m incredibly excited and honoured to be named Canada’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony, and to share this moment with Tyler McGregor makes it even more special,” said Wilkie. “I remember watching my coach, Brian McKeever, carry the flag in 2018 and seeing how proud he was during the ceremony. So, to follow in his footsteps and hold that same honour is amazing. I’m grateful for this opportunity, and so excited to wave the flag for a country I’m so proud to represent.”

The Opening Ceremony will take place in Verona, which is not a competition cluster for the Games. Because of its location, which would require significant travel for all Canadian team members, McGregor, Wilkie, and all their Canadian teammates will not attend the Opening Ceremony and instead be celebrated in their respective Villages.

“A huge congratulations to Tyler and Natalie on their much-deserved selection; they are both such accomplished athletes, leaders in their sports, and incredible representatives for our country,” said

Catherine Gosselin-Despres, Chief Sport Officer, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “With the format and location of the Opening Ceremony different for these Games, we made the decision alongside the sports that athletes would not attend and prioritize preparation for their competition the next day. While Tyler and Natalie will not be carrying the flag in person, we will be celebrating them in their Villages and amongst the entire Canadian Paralympic Team – and we are immensely proud to have them lead the team into the start of the Games.”

McGregor and his teammates will open their Milano Cortina 2026 tournament on March 7, taking on Slovakia at 8:35 pm local at the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena. It will be the first of three preliminary bouts as Canada aims to return to the gold medal game set for March 15.

Wilkie will also hit the start line on March 7, with the biathlon sprint the first competition on tap for Canada’s Para nordic skiers. Wilkie will race in the women’s standing event starting at 12 pm local time. Para nordic skiing competition (including Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing) will take place at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, located in the Val di Fiemme region.

“I couldn’t be more excited to see Tyler and Natalie selected to be Canada’s flag bearers,” said Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. “It is such an absolute honour to be selected to carry the flag and lead our team into the Games! Natalie and Tyler have truly earned this opportunity by exemplifying what it means to be strong leaders both in the field of play and as athletes representing Canada on the world stage. Congrats to them both and I can’t wait to cheer them on at the Games.”

“Congratulations to Tyler McGregor (Para ice hockey) and Natalie Wilkie (Para nordic skiing) on being named flag bearers for the Canadian Paralympic Team at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games,” said The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport). “This honour recognizes the leadership, dedication and respect you have earned through your performances and contributions to the team. Carrying the Canadian flag at the Paralympic Games is a profound responsibility, and you will lead your teammates onto the world stage with pride.”

Canada will be represented by 50 athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, taking place March 6-15. Audiences can tune in for CBC’s coverage of Milano Cortina 2026 on CBC, CBC Gem, and CBC’s Milano Cortina 2026 website (cbc.ca/milanocortina2026) in English. Coverage in French can be found on ICI TÉLÉ, ICI TOU.TV, and on Radio-Canada.ca/jeux-paralympiques. About the Canadian Paralympic Committee: Paralympic.ca

***

MEDIA CONTACTS

Nicole Watts Canadian Paralympic Team Communications Lead nwatts@paralympic.ca / 613-462-2700 (WhatsApp)

Branden Crowe Media Attaché, Para Ice Hockey bcrowe@hockeycanada.ca / 204-730-2147 (WhatsApp)

Nathaniel Mah Media Attaché, Para Nordic Skiing nmah@nordiqcanada.ca / 403-700-4927 (WhatsApp)

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the World Cup Period Four (4) Europe Team with races in Falun, Lahti, Drammen, and Oslo, February 23rd  – March 15th, 2026. Athlete selections were based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria.   

Competition Trip Objectives:   

• Provide appropriate competition opportunities to athletes who have demonstrated the ability to achieve a WC Top 20 performance.  
• Support the Nations Cup Ranking overall. 

Summary of Nominations 

Oliver Léveillé – Club ski de fond Orford – CNEPH

Katie Weaver – Hollyburn Cross-Country Ski Club – AWCA

Alison Mackie – Edmonton Nordic Ski Club, AWCA

Tom Stephen – Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AWCA

Xavier McKeever – Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AWCA

Antoine Cyr – Skinouk, CNEPH

Rémi Drolet – Black Jack Ski Club, SMS T2

Max Hollmann – Big Thunder Nordic, AWCA

Liliane Gagnon – Skibec, CNEPH

Jasmine Drolet – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne, CNEPH

Katherine Stewart-Jones – Nakkertok Nordic, AWCA

Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt – Fondeurs-Laurentides, AWCA

Sasha Masson – Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, CNEPH

Athlete nominations were made by the Acting High-Performance Director (HPD) and reviewed by the High-Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria. The HPC oversaw the selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Nomination, Selection and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are: 

• Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)   
• Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)   
• Maria Lundgren (BC)   
• Pauline Nadlersmith (MB)   
• John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)   

Final athlete selections were approved by Eric de Nys, Acting High-Performance Director: edenys@nordiqcanada.ca 

Selection decisions may be appealed under the Nordiq Canada Dispute Resolution and Appeals Policy. Any dispute must be brought directly to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) to be heard pursuant to the Canadian Sport Dispute Resolution Code. An athlete who wishes to appeal shall file an appeal with the SDRCC within three (3) days of the nomination Synopsis and Rationale being posted to the Nordiq Canada website. 

Join us as we dig into defining excellence for ourselves, our programs and our clubs. To us, excellence is a process, not a destination. It is about doing things the right way to the best of our capabilities. We believe everyone can strive for excellence, no matter where you are on the pathway.

Dates and Times
Five 90-minute virtual sessions
April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
7:30–9:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Location
All sessions will be held virtually. Registered participants will receive the meeting link in advance.

Who Should Attend
Nordic sport coaches at all levels — from community to high performance.

Session Topics

• April 1: Cultural transformation and creating excellence within the development pathway — adopting a solutions-focused approach
• April 8: Engagement across the development pathway — clarifying roles and responsibilities of clubs, divisions, and the NSO
• April 15: Enhancing effectiveness in the daily training environment
• April 22: Monitoring progression — understanding improvement and defining performance growth
• April 29: Building a mentorship roadmap for coaches and clubs — from self-identification to a systemic approach

Cost and Registration
$50 for the full series or $15 per session

Registration is available through The Locker for:

• Full event,
• April 1,
• April 8,
• April 15,
• April 22,
• April 29

Prizes
Sponsor prizes will be drawn during each session for attendees, with a grand prize awarded to one participant who attends all five sessions.