Staff Departures

It is with sadness that I share with you today that Robin McKeever and Kate Boyd have left Nordiq Canada and will no longer pursue their respective roles as National Team Head Coach and HighPerformance Director, Para-Nordic.

I know you join me in thanking Robin and Kate for their long-time service and wishing them exciting new endeavours in their professional lives. Both have been instrumental to athlete well-being and success throughout their careers with Nordiq Canada, and we are deeply thankful for their passionate contribution to the organization and our ski community.

With these changes, it is time to review the way we deliver services. We remain 100% committed to supporting athletes. We will work with athletes, coaches, partners, and staff to review and confirm a transition plan and our vision for the long term.

Today brings an opportunity to improve efficiencies and collaboration between Olympic and Paralympic programs, and development and high performance, while recognizing where specific programming and customization remain important. In this regard, I am pleased to share that Chris Jeffries has accepted the position of High Performance Director for both Olympic and Para Nordic programming.

Over the last three years, Nordiq Canada experienced meaningful growth in programs, participation, and performances. Our new strategic direction and focused investments are paying off. As you have witnessed this season, our national teams delivered remarkable results. Examples include Mark Arendz’ crystal globe for overall para biathlon World Cup standing, Derek Zaplotinsky’s first World Cup gold medal, two gold medals at U23 World Championships, and Antoine Cyr getting as close as it gets to a World Cup podium and finishing 10th in the overall standings.

We are thrilled to be enjoying great momentum from grassroots to international podiums. However, it is getting harder every year to maintain that momentum given the significant financial challenges faced by national sport organizations. Without an increase in core Sport Canada funding and with increasing costs and expectations, it is more important than ever to work together to execute on our strategic plan. With you, we remain committed to high performance as the cornerstone of our mission to see all Canadians on skis, and more Canadian athletes on podiums.