We are specifically looking for candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas to help round out the capacity and capability of the Board:

• Fundraising and business development to assist the CEO with achieving a broader set of supporters for the organization
• Financial management and budgeting
• Legal
• Risk Management

Submit your application

If you are interested in applying for the Board position, please submit your application (including cover letter and resume) via this form on or before May 18, 2026 (or email janetvgates@gmail.com with questions). Your cover letter and resume will be included with the AGM Notice to Members.

 
Nordiq Canada is committed to building cross country skiing as a sport that reflects and embraces the diversity of Canada and supports a culture that is equitable, open, welcoming, and inclusive.
 
Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized groups, persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Please submit your application no later than May 18, 2026. Once the nomination period has closed, applicants will be contacted by the Nominations Committee for interviews. Details of the nomination, election process, and the definition of an Independent Director are set out in Nordiq Canada’s by-laws.

Participation in the Nordiq Canada Board requires approximately 5 to 7 hours per month as well as completion of required onboarding, including Safe Sport clearance. Interested parties should also familiarize themselves with some particulars related to how the Nordiq Canada Board operates as a policy board.
 

Thank you for your interest!

About Us

As the official governing body of cross-country and Para nordic skiing in Canada, Nordiq Canada promotes the growth and development of the sport from grass roots to high performance. Our 80,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. As a national sport organization, we collaborate with provincial/territorial divisions, clubs and others to provide the leadership, support and resources needed for all Canadians to find their own greatness in our sport, whether they ski for fun and fitness, or they aspire to ski for their country.

Our celebrated National Ski Team is made up of superior athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic streams. What does it take for them to be the best? If you ask our athletes, they will tell you it takes hard work, dedication, and focus. As an organization we know Olympic, Paralympic, and World Championship achievements require significant investment in facilities, equipment, training, coaches, technicians, and opportunities to compete at local races and on the world stage. These investments in high performance will trigger success at every level and for every member — from grassroots to podiums. We believe that when athletes succeed, we all succeed.

Dave Rees Award

Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding long-term commitment to cross-country skiing in Canada. Nominees should have demonstrated leadership over an extended period at all organizational levels, local, regional and national, in various activities.

This is Nordiq Canada’s most prestigious award. Nominees are generally well known in the cross-country ski community and have made a significant impact through their varied contributions to the sport.

Firth Award

Awarded to a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to cross-country skiing in Canada. Nominees should have demonstrated leadership in activities at the local or regional level, and ideally also at the national level. They have contributed to cross-country skiing in ways that have encouraged and influenced others.

Developed to specifically recognize dedicated women who have contributed to cross-country skiing at the club, district, provincial or national level.

Distinguished Volunteer Award

Awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to cross-country skiing at the local, regional or national level.

Nominees may have distinguished themselves in any number of ways: through a single contribution that has made a significant impact, through longstanding behind-the-scenes volunteerism or as a volunteer leader or builder at the local, provincial or national level.

Nomination Form (click to view)

Nominations are due May 20.   

Associate Coach – National Ski Team Program (Para Nordic)

Location: Canada

About Nordiq Canada

Nordiq Canada is the national governing body for both cross-country skiing and Para cross-country skiing, and provides leadership for Para biathlon in Canada. We lead, support, and inspire world-class performances and lifelong participation in these sports nationwide.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the High-Performance Manager (HPM) and working closely with the Head Coach, National Ski Team Program, the Associate Coach plays a key role in executing the vision for Nordiq Canada’s Para Nordic Senior and NextGen programs.

This position contributes directly to achieving podium performances at World Cups, World Championships, and Paralympic Winter Games – while fostering a high-performance environment aligned with program values and a strong ‘One Team’ culture.

Key Responsibilities

High-Performance Leadership, Planning & Execution

• In collaboration with the Head Coach, help drive a culture of excellence by establishing clear standards, expectations, and accountability aligned with program values.
• Foster a world-class, athlete-centered environment that is healthy, safe, and performance-driven – while embracing a ‘One Team’ approach that values and supports all athletes and staff equally.
• Lead the technical and tactical development of biathlon shooting performance across training and competition environments, while supporting overall athlete performance and prioritizing health, wellness, and safety.
• Oversee all aspects of Para biathlon equipment (including shooting systems and ammunition), ensuring compliance with licensing, transport, and safety requirements.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of the Yearly Training Plan (YTP) in collaboration with the Head Coach and Integrated Support Team (IST), aligned with Gold Medal Profiles (GMP).
• Collaborate with athletes and staff to develop, monitor, and evolve Individual Athlete Performance Plans (IAPPs) throughout the season.
• Support the development of program policies, selection criteria, budgets, and annual/quadrennial plans, including contributions to Own the Podium and Sport Canada reviews.
• Support the Para Nordic development pathway by collaborating with the Development Coach on coach and athlete development initiatives from club level to the National Team.
• Play a leadership role in strengthening collaboration and alignment with Biathlon Canada.
• Contribute to research and innovation initiatives and represent Nordiq Canada within Para biathlon working groups where appropriate.
• Support annual equipment planning, budgeting, and maintenance in collaboration with the HPM.
• Contribute broadly to Nordiq Canada initiatives to ensure the success and integration of Para Nordic programs.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to inspire, align, and lead diverse stakeholders through clear communication and strong leadership.
• Highly organized, with the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and solutions.
• Strong relationship-builder who brings energy, positivity, and consistent engagement with athletes and staff.
• Effective collaborator within an integrated, interdisciplinary high-performance environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism aligned with Nordiq Canada values: excellence, integrity, inclusion, respect, transparency, and accountability.
• Committed to continuous learning, self-reflection, and professional growth.

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in Para Nordic skiing and Para biathlon across training and competition environments.
• NCCP Level 4 (or equivalent) with CDAG training, or Level 5 certification (or equivalent).
• Experience working with Para athletes, including knowledge of classifications, adapted equipment, and IPC rules.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and support athletes and coaches within a high-performance system.
• Strong understanding of the Canadian sport system and the Paralympic high-performance environment.
• Bilingualism (French/English) is considered an asset.

Working Conditions

• Evening and weekend work required
• Regular outdoor work, including on snow
• Extensive domestic and international travel

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to:
mstarkman@nordiqcanada.ca

Application deadline: May 1, 2026, or until position is filled.

Please include your name and “Associate Coach – National Team Program (Para Nordic)” in the subject line.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Nordiq Canada is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Click here to learn more and apply

Mackie won the green bib with 548 points, finishing ahead of Italy’s Iris De Martin Pinter (488 points) and Andorra’s Gina del Rio (451 points) in the final rankings. Her consistency on the World Cup circuit defined a season that now stands as a record-setting moment for Canadian cross‑country skiing. 

“This is a really, really special feeling,” Mackie said after sealing the title. “I am really proud of my consistency this season, and I think obviously that shows with winning the overall green bib. It hasn’t always been easy… there were stressful moments and some disappointing races, but overall I’m just really proud.” 

Mackie has held the U23 lead since the Tour de Ski, a position that came with significant weight. “Ever since I finished the Tour de Ski and have been in the overall U23 World Cup lead, every single weekend after has been a lot of pressure that I’ve put on myself to keep it,” she explained. “It wasn’t even really on my radar this season, so to have it become a reality was special. I didn’t want that taken away from me, so crossing the finish line today was a big feeling of relief and pride.” 

At the finish, Mackie broke into tears, something she described as the emotional release of months of effort. “It was definitely a big feeling of relief,” she said. “I put a lot of pressure on myself. When it was finally done, it all hit me at once.” 

Her season also included standout performances against the world’s best senior athletes. Among her top World Cup results were a 5th‑place finish in the 5 km free at the Stage World Cup in Toblach, and an 8th‑place finish in the 10 km mass start free in Val di Fiemme, Italy. These performances underscored her ability to excel not only in U23 competition but also on the broader World Cup stage. 

Mackie’s historic title adds to an already exceptional season. She captured gold in the 20 km mass start free at the FIS Nordic Junior & U23 World Ski Championships, finished 8th in her Olympic debut, and contributed to strong Canadian team performances in both the relay and team sprint. 

“Oh, absolutely, this has been a dream season,” Mackie said. “My two big goals were to make the Olympic team and to medal at U23s. So to win U23s, be top 10 in my first Olympics, along with the excellent team results we had, and then to get the green bib too, I can’t ask for more.” 

Mackie’s breakthrough highlights the momentum of Canada’s next generation of athletes and the increasing depth of the country’s cross-country skiing talent pool. 

Full standings:
https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/cross-country/cup-standings.html?sectorcode=CC&seasoncode=2026&cupcode=WCU23&disciplinecode=ALL&gendercode=W&nationcode=

We are blown away by how many talented skiers there are across Canada, and narrowing it down to one design was no easy feat. Thank you to everyone who submitted a design to this year’s contest!

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the World Cup Period Four (4) Lake Placid Team with races from March 17th – March 23rd, 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, and to support the Nations Cup Ranking overall.  
• Provide meaningful competition pathway opportunities to developing athletes who can contribute to long-term high-performance objectives. 

Summary of Nominations 

Olivier Léveillé – Club ski de fond Orford — CNEPH

Tom Stephen – Foothills Nordic Ski Club — AWCA

Max Hollmann – Big Thunder Nordic — AWCA

Antoine Cyr – Skinouk — CNEPH

Rémi Drolet – Black Jack Ski Club — SMS T2

Xavier McKeever – Foothills Nordic Ski Club — AWCA

Luke Allan – Nakkertok Cross Country Ski Club

Sasha Masson – Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club — CNEPH

Alexandre Cormier – Club Fondeurs Laurentides — CNEPH

Luke Fricker – Canmore Nordic Ski Club

Kendyn Mashinter – Walden Cross Country — NTDC Thunder Bay

Jonas Rolseth – Canmore Nordic Ski Club — AWCA

Scott Hill – Team Hardwood

Pierre Grall-Johnson – Nakkertok Cross Country Ski Club – CNEPH

Taschi Klaschka – Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

Guillaume Pelchat – Pembroke Nordic Ski Club – CNEPH

Parker Courte-Rathwell – Club Tremblant Nordique

Julian Smith – Georgian Bay Nordic – NTDC Thunder Bay

Justin Boudreau – Club de ski de fond Monteriski, CNEPH

Katie Weaver – Hollyburn Cross-Country Ski Club — AWCA

Katherine Stewart-Jones – Nakkertok Nordic — AWCA

Sonjaa Schmidt – Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club — AWCA

Liliane Gagnon – Skibec — CNEPH

Amelia Wells – Strathcona Nordic

Alison Mackie – Edmonton Nordic Ski Club — AWCA

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

Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt – Fondeurs Laurentides — AWCA

Katya Semeniuk – Nakkertok Nordic — AWCA

Hannah Shields – XC Ottawa

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. 

A three-time Paralympian, Wilkie has captured four medals at these Games – gold in the Para biathlon women’s standing individual and sprint pursuit, silver in the Para biathlon women’s standing sprint, and bronze in the Para cross-country women’s standing sprint classic. She still has one race remaining on Sunday morning, the Para cross-country 20km.

Wilkie, age 25, now has 11 Paralympic medals to her name (five gold, three silvers, three bronze). She is the first Canadian athlete to be selected to be both Opening and Closing Ceremony flag bearer at the same Paralympic Games.

“That was a big surprise, and I said that about being named the Opening flag bearer, but I am shocked once again,” said Wilkie. “It just feels unreal right now because I don’t think there has been a Canadian athlete who has been named in one Games as opening and closing flag bearer, so to be the first definitely feels like I’m setting history. I’m really excited.”

“This has been a really special Games for me. It has been a really emotional Games for myself and a lot of my teammates so it’s going to be a really great way to end the Games. To be able to wave the flag physically and walk is going to be a pretty cool experience. I couldn’t think of a better way to end my third Games.”

At his fourth Paralympic Winter Games, Ideson skipped Canada to its first gold medal since 2014, becoming the first nation to ever complete the tournament undefeated. Ideson, age 49, threw the critical last shots for Canada that secured their semifinal and final victories against South Korea and China. Skip of the team since 2018, he made his Paralympic debut in 2014 and now has two gold and two bronze medals.

“It’s an honour I never thought I would get and one that I’m truly grateful for,” said Ideson. “The biggest honour I could ever imagine.”

“It’s really hard to sum up this whole week,” said Ideson on winning gold and now being named flag bearer. “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work from a great group of people. We have the best team and the best staff and compete for the best country. I am incredibly proud and honoured to have been part of this whole journey.”

“I am so excited for both Natalie and Mark to receive this honour,” said Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. “It has been incredible to watch both of them compete here at the Games. Their performances this week speak for themselves – they have added to their already so impressive Paralympic legacies. They are also such great leaders in their sports and for Paralympic sport in Canada, and I can’t wait to watch them carry the flag.”

“Congratulations to Natalie and Mark on being named Closing Ceremony flag bearers,” said Catherine Gosselin-Despres, Chief Sport Officer, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “They both have accomplished so much here at the Games, and it has been a thrill to watch their competitions all week as they led Canada on the field of play. We know they will represent the country with great pride as we celebrate their achievements and those of the entire Canadian Paralympic Team at the Closing Ceremony.”

Canadian viewers can watch Wilkie and Ideson carry the flag for the Canadian Paralympic Team with Closing Ceremony coverage beginning live Sunday on CBC and Radio-Canada at 3 p.m. ET.

About the Canadian Paralympic Team: A total of 50 athletes, including guides, are competing for Canada in six sports at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, taking place March 6-15.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee: Paralympic.ca

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

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

Larissa Simone
Media Attaché, Wheelchair Curling
larissa.simone@curling.ca / 365-340-4833 (WhatsApp)

Click here to learn more and apply