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

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/ 

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.

The NCDF Team Coatsworth Athlete Grant is an annual grant delivered through the Nordiq Canada Development Fund. The aim of the grant is to support individual elite athletes, who are in financial need, and have demonstrated potential for reaching international podiums. Athlete’s involvement in furthering their education will also be a consideration. This is established as a generous gift by long-time Canadian cross-country ski supporter and former Nordiq Canada Board Chair Jamie Coatsworth.  

For 2026, the grant will support three athletes with $2,000 of funding each, including: 

• One Olympic stream female athlete 

• One Olympic stream male athlete 

• One Paralympic stream athlete 

APPLICATION FORM (click to view)

Athletes wishing to apply for the grant must provide the details outlined in the application form to nwilliams@nordiqcanada.ca by February 23, 2026. 

Junior Women:

Ella Fuller – Fernie Nordic Society  

Ruby Serrouya – Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club 

Louison Dubief – AWCA – Fernie Nordic Society  

Eula Palmer-Bird – Sovereign Lake Nordic Club 

Sarah-Ève Picard – CNEPH – Mont-Sainte-Anne 

Madeleine Wilkie – Larch Hills Nordic Society   

Junior Men: 

Eamon Wilson – AWCA – Hollyburn Cross-Country Ski Clu 

Raleigh Tarte – AWCA – Kimberley Nordic Club  

Finn Redman – AWCA – Telemark Nordic   

Zachari Moreau – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne  

Teo Wadsworth – Canmore Nordic Ski Club 

Thierry Olivier – CNEPH – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne 

U23 Women: 

Alison Mackie – AWCA – Edmonton Nordic Ski Club 

Anna Stewart – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

Marlie Molinaro – Revelstoke Nordic ski Club 

Katya Semeniuk – AWCA – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

U23 Men: 

Xavier McKeever – AWCA – Foothills Nordic Ski Club 

Luke Allan – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

Ry Prior – AWCA – Club Chelsea Nordiq 

Justin Boudreau – CNEPH – Montériski 

Noah Weir Chaba – AWCA – Canmore Nordic Ski Club  

Leading the team are World Junior medalists Xavier McKeever and Alison Mackie, both of whom will also compete at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games beginning Feb. 6. Mackie, who earned two individual World Junior medals last season, and McKeever will be targeting their first individual podium at the U23 Championships. 

“Our teams this year bring an exceptional combination of depth, experience and momentum,” said Eric de Nys, Nordiq Canada’s acting high‑performance director. “We have athletes who have proven they can excel on the world stage, and a new wave of young skiers who are eager to rise. This group has the talent, resilience and competitive fire to deliver standout performances in Lillehammer.” 

The team will be supported by the following staff: 

• Trip Lead – Matt Smider 
• Trip Lead – Justin Wadsworth 
• Coach – Tormod Vatten
• Coach – Julien Lamoureux 
• Coach – Stephen Hart 
• Coach – Katherine Denis 
• Wax Tech – Adam Pojasok 
• Wax Tech – Renald Briere 
• Wax Tech – Devon Kershaw 
• Wax Tech / Medical Lead – Frank Ackermann  
• Physiotherapy – Greg Redman 

Canada enters the championships as a strong medal contender after recording five individual and one team podiums over the past two years. 

“There’s a real sense of purpose and unity in this team,” says Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. “They’re confident, grounded and incredibly capable. We believe in this group not just because of what they’ve achieved, but because of how they carry themselves. They have the mindset and the talent to rise to the moment, and I’m excited to see what they can do in Lillehammer.” 

Calgary, January 30, 2025 – A team of 15 Para nordic skiers, including guides – who compete across Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing – have been nominated to compete for Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Nordiq Canada announced Friday.   

Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team – PARA NORDIC SKIING 

1. Emma Archibald – Fall River, NS 
2. Mark Arendz – Hartsville, PEI  
3. Jesse Bachinsky – Kenora, ON 
4. Levi Nadlersmith (guide for Bachinsky) – Boissevain, MT 
5. Lyne-Marie Bilodeau – Sherbrooke, QC 
6. Collin Cameron – Bracebridge, ON 
7. Brittany Hudak – Prince Albert, SK 
8. Logan Lariviere – Sudbury, ON 
9. Joe Hutton (guide for Lariviere) – Lakeside, ON 
10. Madison Mullin – Fergus, ON 
11. Brooke Ailey (guide for Mullin) – Thunder Bay, ON 
12. Christina Picton – Fonthill, ON  
13. Leo Sammarelli – Vancouver, BC 
14. Natalie Wilkie – Salmon Arm, BC  
15. Derek Zaplotinsky – Smoky Lake, AB  

The squad is led by Mark Arendz, headed to his fifth Paralympic Winter Games. With 12 Paralympic podiums, including a Canadian record six medals at a single Games in 2018, he is one of Canada’s most successful Para athletes of all time.  

“The past four years have been a journey toward this moment, and I’m incredibly proud to be named to my fifth Paralympic Winter Games team,” said Arendz. “I began this quad taking four months away from competition to recover from surgery and reset, always with the goal of returning to the Paralympics. There was a hunger left after Beijing, and now I have the opportunity to put everything together once again and see what I’m capable of. I believe I can put myself in a position to contend for multiple medals in 2026. My focus is on arriving at the start line on March 7 at my best, physically and mentally, trusting my preparation, racing hard and enjoying the experience.” 

Brittany Hudak, one of five co-captains of the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team, is set for her fourth Games appearance, while Collin Cameron, Natalie Wilkie, and Derek Zaplotinsky will each be competing at their third consecutive Games.  

Arendz, Hudak, Cameron, and Wilkie are the team’s four Paralympic medallists. Alongside Arendz, Wilkie holds seven medals, Cameron six, and Hudak three.  

“I feel very honoured to be named to my fourth Paralympic team and the thought of representing Canada still gives me chills” said Hudak. “It’s such a privilege to compete for Canada on the world stage and I want to hone in on all of that energy for these upcoming Games. The team has had an amazing season so far with podiums and personal bests. I think this really showcases the strength of the team and our ability to perform under pressure and on demand.” 

Lyne-Marie Bilodeau and Christina Picton also are returnees from the Beijing 2022 squad, set for their second Games appearances.  

Eight athletes will be making their Paralympic debuts – Emma Archibald, Leo Sammarelli, Madison Mullin and guide Brooke Ailey, Jesse Bachinsky and guide Levi Nadlersmith, and Logan Lariviere and guide Joe Hutton.  

“Being named to the Paralympic team means reaching a mountain-top goal I’ve worked hard toward since I began this sport!” said Archibald.  “I’m incredibly proud of every step that led me here, and even more excited to represent Canada, my communities, and the Paralympic Movement, using this platform to show our team’s strength and inspire the next generation of Para athletes!” 

Para nordic skiing includes two sports at the Games – Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing. Canada’s Para nordic skiing team has been the nation’s most successful at the past two Games, with a record 16 medals in 2018 followed by 14 in 2022.  

The athletes will be joined in Italy by a support staff led by head coach Brian McKeever, Canada’s most decorated Winter Paralympian. This will be McKeever’s first Games as coach following a legendary career spanning six Games with 20 medals.  

1. Team Leader – Marshall Starkman – Calgary, AB  
2. Head Coach Cross Country – Brian McKeever – Canmore, AB 
3. Head Coach Biathlon – Menno Arendz – Hartsville, PEI 
4. Assistant Coach – Leslie Bode – Thunder Bay, ON 
5. Team Coordinator – Haley Morey  
6. Mental Performance – Clare Fewster – Calgary, AB  
7. Jess Kryski – IST Lead/Physiologist  
8. Massage Therapy – Sarah Stephen – Yellowknife, NT 
9. Physiotherapy – Shane Munro – Canmore, AB  
10. Head Wax Technician – Lahav Wolach – Calgary, AB  
11. Wax Technician – Andrew Vanden Berg – Thunder Bay, ON  
12. Ski Pilot – Russell Kennedy – Canmore, AB  
13. Ski Pilot – Jacqueline Akerman 
14. Ski Pilot – Patrick Moore  
15. Aide – Tamara Howard – Kenora, ON  

Para nordic skiing competition will take place March 7-15 at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium located in the Val di Fiemme region of Italy. The schedule is as follows: 

March 7: Para Biathlon 12.5km Individual 
March 8: Para Cross-Country Sprint Classic
March 10: Para Biathlon 7.5km Sprint 
March 11: Para Cross-Country 20km Free
March 13: Para Biathlon Sprint Pursuit
March 14: Para Cross-Country Relays
March 15: Para Cross-Country Middle Distance 

“Congratulations to all 15 Para nordic skiers heading to Milano Cortina,” said Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. “Canada’s Para nordic skiing team has been a world leader for many years now, and I am stoked to welcome back such incredible Paralympians like Mark, Natalie, Brittany, and Collin. With eight athletes making their Paralympic debuts as well, the future of Para nordic skiing is bright. It is going to be a very exciting Games watching this team compete.”  

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place March 6-15, 2026 and feature athletes competing in six sports – Para alpine skiing, Para ice hockey, Para nordic skiing (Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing), Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. Canada is expecting to send a team of approximately 50 athletes.  

CLICK HERE to see the complete list of athletes currently nominated to the Canadian Paralympic Team. 

Prior to being officially named to the Canadian Paralympic Team, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Paralympic Committee. The approved final roster will be announced closer to the start of the Games.  

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee: Paralympic.ca   

About Nordiq Canada: NordiqCanada.ca 
 

MEDIA CONTACTS 

Nicole Watts
Senior Manager, Communications & PR
Canadian Paralympic Committee
nwatts@paralympic.ca / 613-462-2700 

Nathaniel Mah 
Para Nordic Skiing Media Attaché
Nordiq Canada
nmah@nordiqcanada.ca / 403-700-4927
 

Bouffard‑Nesbitt had initially been designated as the first alternate. She was added to the roster after the International Ski Federation’s quota reallocation process awarded Canada an additional women’s spot. 

“Olivia has earned this opportunity through strong results,” said Eric de Nys, acting high‑performance director at Nordiq Canada. “Her consistent form on the World Cup circuit shows she’s ready to line up against the best in the world. We’re incredibly proud to have her on this team and know she will represent Canada with determination, professionalism and heart.” 

Bouffard‑Nesbitt has delivered a series of strong performances this season, including a 27th‑place finish in the Tour de Ski sprint and an 11th‑place result in the women’s team sprint in Goms alongside teammate Liliane Gagnon. 

“I’m so excited to join the team heading to Milano Cortina. To be part of this squad is such a privilege, especially at a time when there is so much momentum within the team,” Bouffard‑Nesbitt said. “It feels like we’re on this tremendous upswing, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to contribute to the positive energy of this team.” 

Bouffard‑Nesbitt competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Her addition strengthens a young and emerging Canadian women’s squad heading into 2026, bringing sprinting power, international experience and proven readiness on major stages to bolster Canada’s depth and relay potential. 

Team Canada’s cross‑country skiing roster for Milano Cortina 2026 now includes: 

Women:
Olivia Bouffard‑Nesbitt (Morin Heights, Que.)
Jasmine Drolet (Rossland, B.C.)
Liliane Gagnon (Shawinigan‑Sud, Que.)
Alison Mackie (Edmonton, Alta.)
Sonjaa Schmidt (Whitehorse, Yuk.)
Katherine Stewart‑Jones (Chelsea, Que.)
Amelia Wells (Victoria, B.C.) 

Men:
Antoine Cyr (Gatineau, Que.)
Rémi Drolet (Rossland, B.C.)
Max Hollmann (Thunder Bay, Ont.)
Xavier McKeever (Canmore, Alta.)
Tom Stephen (Calgary, Alta.) 

Cross-country skiing will take place February 7 to 22, 2026 (Days 1 to 16) at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in the Val di Fiemme region. 

“Partnerships with Canadian companies who believe in Canadian athletes are incredibly meaningful to us,” said Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. “Burnbrae Farms’ commitment to quality, nutrition, and community aligns perfectly with our values. As our teams head overseas, it’s powerful to know they are being supported by a proudly Canadian partner.” 

“We are eggstremely proud to partner with Nordiq Canada to support and fuel Canadian athletes,” said Margaret Hudson, President & CEO at Burnbrae Farms Limited.  “This partnership is aligned with our family values of giving back to local communities, through grassroots and national programs to enhance the lives of Canadians.” 

Strong nutrition habits play an important role in athlete preparation, recovery, and long competition blocks, helping athletes meet the physical demands of training and racing throughout the season. 

“As an athlete, having foods you trust makes a big difference, especially when you’re training hard and travelling a lot,” said Collin Cameron, National Ski Team athlete and two-time world champion. “Eggs are something I eat almost every morning before training. Knowing that a Canadian company like Burnbrae Farms is choosing to invest in our team and support Canadian athletes makes that daily routine even more meaningful.” 

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, health, and supporting Canadian success on the world stage. 

“High performance is built on strong fundamentals,” Scott said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Burnbrae Farms as a partner and grateful for their support as our athletes pursue their goals internationally.” 

For more information about Burnbrae Farms, visit https://www.burnbraefarms.com/