Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island — Today, the 2023 Canada Winter Games Host Society revealed its Torch Relay program including the official Torch Relay route and Torchbearer nomination process.

The announcement took place at the Marine Rail Historical Park overlooking the Confederation Bridge where the Torch will arrive on Prince Edward Island before making its way to the Opening Ceremony on February 18, 2023.

Prior to every Canada Games, a Torch Relay takes place and sees the Roly McLenahan Torch travel part of the country, as it makes its way to the Host City or Province for the Opening Ceremony. In keeping true with this time-honoured Canada Games tradition, the PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games will begin its Torch Relay with a lighting ceremony in Ottawa from the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill on October 17, 2022.

The Torch Relay will visit over 20 communities across PEI and engage with local residents through a series of events and community celebrations, with various Torchbearers carrying the Torch in their hometowns. Torchbearers are selected through a nomination process that opened today on the 2023 Canada Games website.

“The announcement of the Torch Relay program is an important milestone leading to the 2023 Canada Winter Games,” said the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. “Holding large-scale sporting events such as the Canada Winter Games on PEI will have direct sport, economic, cultural, and social benefits for communities. The Canada Games help strengthen our sense of pride across the country. Our government is proud to support the Games, and we look forward to cheering on the athletes next winter on PEI.”

"The Torch Relay is one of the many special events leading into the upcoming 2023 Canada Winter Games that brings us together as one Island family to celebrate young athletes, and their coaching and support system," said Minister of Health and Wellness Ernie Hudson. "Those selected to be a Torchbearer will no doubt inspire us all with the unique sense of pride and spirit that comes from sport while visiting our many beautiful Island communities."

“The Canada Games Torch Relay is a special tradition that will connect PEI with the country and is an opportunity for us to showcase the unique culture, history, and pride of over 20 communities,” said Karolyn Godfrey, Volunteer VP, Vision, Volunteers & Community Relations, 2023 Canada Games Host Society. “We encourage everyone across PEI to find a Canada Games Torch Relay stop near them and nominate an outstanding individual in their community who will be given the honour of being a Torchbearer.”

“The Canada Games Torch Relay is a major milestone leading up to each edition of the Canada Games,” said Evan Johnston, Chair of the Canada Games Council. “The lighting of the Roly McLenahan Torch ignites a collective celebration of Canadian sport and spirit, and sparks greatness in athletes, volunteers, and communities along each leg of the relay. We cannot wait to see the 2023 Torch Relay program come to life on the road to the 2023 Canada Winter Games.”

The call for nominations will close on July 15, 2022.