Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker expressed a strong interest in bringing the Olympic Games back to Canada, indicating that the country might consider bidding for the 2038 Games if Switzerland’s bid does not materialize. The International Olympic Committee mentioned that Switzerland’s bid could be finalized by 2027 pending successful local political consultations by the end of the year. In the event that Switzerland misses this deadline, other interested parties would have the opportunity to bid.
Shoemaker emphasized that if Switzerland fulfills the requirements, the Games would be theirs. However, if Switzerland fails to meet the commitments and funding obligations for the 2038 Games, Canada would be open to hosting. With Calgary having turned down a bid for the 2026 Games, Shoemaker mentioned that there is a sense of missed opportunity for the city.
Despite Calgary’s rejection of the 2026 bid, Shoemaker noted that many in Alberta and Calgary regret not having another chance at hosting the Olympics. Canada, along with four Host First Nations, had also considered bidding for the 2030 Winter Olympics in Vancouver/Whistler, but the British Columbia provincial government did not support the bid in 2022.
Shoemaker highlighted that the Canadian Olympic Committee is studying how spread-out Games, like the current Milano Cortina Olympics, could be advantageous for Canada. He mentioned the possibility of utilizing facilities in Western Canada and even Lake Placid, New York, to host events. Shoemaker acknowledged the benefits of dispersed Games but also noted the challenges of accommodating participants in various locations.
