This year I was honoured and privileged to attend the Invictus Games that were held in Germany. I met with many of our competitors who were down there. I got to know them and got to hear their stories.
I'll share this story. When I got there, I asked some of the Veterans Affairs staff how many medals Canada had won so far. The staff didn't know the answer and said they would get back to me. After spending three hours with the athletes, I quickly realized it wasn't about the medals. I thought it was good for this Veterans Affairs employee that he didn't have the answer to that question because it's really not about the medals. It's really about seeing our athletes being together, supporting each other, sharing and bonding.
It was a very touching and moving event for me there.
You're right. Canada is going to be hosting the Invictus Games in 2025. It's a $15-billion investment that the federal government has provided. Did I say billion? It's a $15-million investment.
It's going to be really exciting because it's the second time that Canada is hosting the games. It till be in Vancouver and Whistler. It will be the first hybrid games and the first winter sports that we'll be hosting. Again, the athletes are really excited—even the ones from the Caribbean countries where snow is probably not readily available.
It's just a really great example of Canada again showing leadership in this area. It's a real honour and privilege that our country will be hosting the games for a second time.