Quebec moves to declare hockey Its national sport
Tashi Farmilo
Minister of Culture and Communications, Minister Responsible for Youth, and Minister Responsible for the Outaouais Region, Mathieu Lacombe, presented Bill 90 to the National Assembly on February 6th, aiming to officially recognize ice hockey as Quebec's national sport and establish National Ice Hockey Day, to be celebrated on the first Saturday of February each year.
Hockey has been central to Quebec’s culture and history for over 150 years. While it is widely considered the province’s national sport, it has never received official government recognition. With this initiative, Minister Lacombe proposes to formalize the historical and cultural significance of hockey within Quebec’s identity.
The bill also introduces amendments to the Cultural Heritage Act. Notably, it includes the concept of a “national cultural reference,” denoting an element deeply rooted in tradition and reflecting a distinctive aspect of Quebec’s identity. This provision will allow the government to increase efforts to promote and highlight cultural symbols unique to Quebec, such as hockey.
Mathieu Lacombe emphasized that "hockey has been a cultural and identity symbol in Quebec for over 150 years. More than just a sport, it has become, over the years, a reflection of the influences, struggles, and aspirations of Quebec society. Officially recognizing hockey as Quebec’s national sport would foster a sense of belonging and pride among Quebecers regarding their history and traditions, while also highlighting Quebec’s contribution to the history of world sports."
Isabelle Charest, Minister Responsible for Sports, Recreation, and the Outdoors, welcomed the introduction of the bill, stating, "We all have a memory tied to hockey, whether on a neighborhood rink, in minor hockey, professional leagues, or Olympic clashes. I am very pleased with the introduction of this bill, which will officially grant hockey the status of Quebec’s national sport. It is a discipline that excites the people of Quebec, and I am delighted that our government is committed to acknowledging it."
This bill responds to a recommendation made by the Quebec Committee on Hockey Development and is part of a series of initiatives aimed at encouraging hockey practice and growth in Quebec. It also seeks to strengthen accessibility, safety, and the sport’s expansion among younger generations, further solidifying its role as a unifying element of Quebec society.