neil lumsden minister of tourism culture and sport

Neil Lumsden – From Grey Cup Champion to Cabinet Minister 

By joe pascucci.

"You need to understand this – all these players depend on you to be here. I expect you to be here, and you let them down. Don’t do it again." –  Neil Lumsden forever changed by advice from Red Knight football head coach Clarke Pulford

"My conversation with Premier Ford made me think about other conversations I’ve had with other people in my life that I’ve respected, and I thought if I can make a difference then I’ll do it." –  Neil Lumsden deciding to run for office in the Province of Ontario

"One of the great things about sport is that it doesn’t always go your way. You either mope about it or figure a way to get out and get better." –  Neil Lumsden on the power of sport to improve lives

Neil Lumsden named Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

The newly-elected MPP and former CFL player was sworn in on June 24 and takes over the portfolio from Lisa MacLeod.

Newly-elected Ontario MPP Neil Lumsden has been named the province’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, taking over from Lisa MacLeod.

A member of the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame, Lumsden was sworn in as one of several new cabinet members on Friday (June 24), following the Progressive Conservative (PC) party’s re-election as Ontario’s majority government on June 2.

MacLeod, who served as Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries since 2019 and was re-elected to her Nepean riding, did not retain a cabinet seat. In a statement from a currently deleted Twitter account, MacLeod said she would be taking time off to “rest and recuperate” over the next few months as her mental and physical health has been “greatly impacted” over the “last couple of years.”

Lumsden, who was elected as MPP of Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, takes over the province’s culture portfolio ahead of proposed amendments to the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit.

The PC government’s 2022 budget included plans to allow digital content productions to access the film and TV tax credit, as well as regional bonuses for productions primarily outside of the Greater Toronto Area, and the untethering of the Ontario Computer Animation and Special Effects Tax Credit from the Film and Television Tax Credit and the Production Services Tax Credit in order to simplify claiming and processing.

There is currently no set deadline for when the proposed amendments will go into effect, but the budget stated that further details on eligibility requirements for digital content productions will be announced in the fall.

The amendments were made public following recommendations from a film and TV advisory panel formed in 2020 during MacLeod’s tenure, led by Jim Mirkopoulos and Shaftesbury’s Christina Jennings.

Lisa MacLeod , Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport , Neil Lumsden

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WATERDOWN ― Today, Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook, announced that 11 Hamilton-area non-profit organizations will receive more than $1.03 million in grant funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund. This funding will support these community organizations as they build capacity, resilience, and sustainability. “Non-profit organizations are an important and valued part of Ontario communities, especially here in the Hamilton area,” said Minister Lumsden. “Countless people rely on their services to find jobs and lead healthier, happier lives. Funding from the Resilient Communities Fund will help these non-profits to adapt and grow – ensuring they are able to continue to assist those within our community who need them the most.” The Ontario government is providing nearly $30 million this year through the Resilient Communities Fund to 283 non-profit organizations across the province. This funding will enable these organizations to deliver the best service possible and ensure Ontarians will have stable access to their programming. “Without this support, non-profits such as Branch 551 of the Royal Canadian Legion would have trouble maintaining and improving our facilities,” said Sheila Latner, President of the Waterdown Legion Branch 551. “This will help us meet the needs of our community and members.” “Ontario’s non-profit sector enriches our communities by providing a range of services such as food, shelter, education, therapy, and training,” said Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook. “Throughout the pandemic non-profits addressed many challenges, including assisting with public health requirements and finding new ways to help individuals stay connected with others.” The Ontario Trillium Foundation is proud to have supported thousands of community organizations over four decades to strengthen the social and economic fabric of Ontario. Please visit the OTF website for a full list of grant recipients and details on how the OTF might be able to help your non-profit organization. QUICK FACTS

• A Rocha Canada: $52,600
• Association Canadienne-Francaise de l’Ontario – Conseil Regional Hamilton: $56,700
• Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton: $91,300
• Hamilton Victory Gardens: $25,000
• Interval House of Hamilton: $133,000
• Mission Services Hamilton Inc.: $200,000
• Rainbow’s End Community Development: $29,100
• Royal Canadian Legion Waterdown: $35,000
• Matthew’s House: $176,600
• Theatre Aquarius: $100,000
• Westdale Cinema Group: $133,100
• The Resilient Communities Fund is administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) – an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
• This fund has supported 2,753 projects across Ontario since it was first announced in August 2020.

Constituency Office: 102-115 Highway 8 Stoney Creek,  ON L8G1C1 Tel. 905-662-8755 Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm

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July 13, 2022

Filmontario welcomes new cabinet, minister of tourism, culture and sport.

At the end of June, Premier Ford announced his new Cabinet, including the appointment of The Honourable Neil Lumsden as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Minister Lumsden represents the riding of Hamilton East-Stoney Creek and, following a successful CFL career, has spent many years working in sports marketing. He was inducted in to the CFL Hall of Fame in 2014.

Several Ministers were also re-appointed to their previous positions, including Peter Bethlenfalvy as Minister of Finance, Vic Fedeli as Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Monte McNaughton as Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

At FilmOntario we have been reaching out to all members of the new Cabinet to continue the dialogue about the industry’s economic and cultural contributions to the province. We look forward to working with the new government on implementing the tax credit changes announced in the 2022 Provincial Budget . It is expected that the government will re-introduce this Budget when the legislature resumes sitting on August 8, after they deliver their first Speech from the Throne.

Finally, we would like to thank the outgoing Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Lisa MacLeod, for her work on behalf of the industry during her time as Minister.

(Header photo from Premier Doug Ford’s Twitter feed. )

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CFL Hall of Famer Turned Minister: Neil Lumsden promotes thriving tourism in Ontario for unforgettable summer adventures

Thirteen months ago, MPP Neil Lumsden was named as the province’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, taking over the position from Lisa MacLeod.

His passion for the cabinet position is unquestioned in large part due to his time in the Canadian Football League.

Lumsden is a CFL Football League Hall of Famer, winning three Grey Cup Championships with Edmonton Eskimos from 1980 to 1982, and a fourth in 1999 as General Manager of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Minister Lumsden is well suited to the role and told us that summer is a time to make some unforgettable memories.

Whether you love beaches, patio dining or experiencing new vistas, he says Ontario has something for everyone to enjoy.

Lumsden says tourism is thriving in the province.

The Minister told us that tourism is back in Ontario and continues to be a driving factor for our economy.

Whether you’re looking for food festivals, farmers markets or some great bike routes, Ontario has so much to offer you could spend the whole summer exploring all there is to see and do.

If you’re looking for ideas on planning your next adventure, Destination Ontario can help you create some unforgettable experiences.

From ideas on where to find the best waterfalls, to the best ice cream palours in the province, Destination Ontario has all the info you need to plan your next adventure.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Neil Lumsden shared his thoughts on what makes successful tourism.

You can find a treasure trove of ideas, broken down by region, as well as book a free virtual travel counselling session with Destination Ontario on their website: Destination Ontario

Written by Joseph Goden

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As Grey Cup Festivities Begin in Hamilton and Niagara, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport Talks Far-Reaching Impact

by  Kevin Geenen

November 17, 2023  |   3 min read

Minister Neil Lumsden foresees record breaking turnout as Hamilton hosts spectacular Grey Cup Festival: Over 40 events set to mark historic weekend. Photo Credit: Peter Power/The Canadian Press

Minister Neil Lumsden spoke to The Independent about the big game

The Grey Cup has arrived in Hamilton.

The physical trophy arrived via Lake Ontario aboard the HCMS Harry DeWolf on Monday and the over 40 events that make up the Grey Cup Festival have officially begun.

Organizers say that they believe this year’s event in Hamilton will be “the biggest and best collection of events in the long and storied history of the Grey Cup.”

Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport Neil Lumsden spoke to The Independent on Wednesday and said that the wide-ranging aspect of the pre-game events really sets the 2023 Grey Cup apart from others.

“Every Grey Cup is very social, but Hamilton Sports Group has really turned this into a festival, a long festival which is maybe the longest pre-game party ever,” said Lumsden, who also serves as the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.

Part of this long “pre-game party” is a free street festival called Fan Central which takes place on Hamilton’s James Street North from 11AM to 8PM Thursday to Saturday.

James Street North will be closed between Barton Street and York Boulevard.

The festival includes a beer garden, food trucks, inflatables, a Christmas market, giveaways, games and various booths.

The street also features a stage which will feature over 40 artists from across Canada performing free concerts throughout the four days.

The inside of the John Weir Foote Armoury has been converted into a flag football field and will feature a flag football tournament. 

Items belonging to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame are on display within the Armoury. The hall also features an obstacle course.

On Friday night, Carrie Underwood will be performing at Hamilton’s FirstOntario Centre, headlining the Grey Cup Music Festival.

The following morning at 11AM, the Hamilton Santa Claus Grey Cup Parade will make its way through the streets of Downtown Hamilton.

Lumsden says that, based on projections from previous Grey Cups, there could be “close to 330,000 or 340,000 people who go through all of these events.”

He adds that the economic impact will also be “very significant.”

Full details for all festivities can be found at www.greycupfestival.ca/events.

The Niagara Region was also included in Grey Cup festivities. 

The Sports Tourism Summit was held at Niagara Parks Power Station on Thursday afternoon followed by the 2023 CFL Player Awards Show and Shaggy concert at Fallsview Casino Resort on Thursday night.

When it was announced back in August that the Niagara Region would be included in the fun, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said, “The meat and potatoes are still going to be in Hamilton, but the dessert table, and the ice wine, are going to be in Niagara Falls.”

Lumsden notes that including Niagara in the events is a “regional piece that I don’t think has been done to this level before.”

He notes that it was “really important on the tourism side” to include the region since “there’s so much to do there and it’s just down the road.”

The 2023 Grey Cup Festival is also providing a free round-trip shuttle service between Hamilton and Niagara Falls throughout the entire weekend.

Bookings for the shuttle must be made ahead of time online.

Of course, capping off the weekend will be the big 110th Grey Cup game on Sunday at 6PM between the Montreal Alouettes and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

However, when it comes to the game itself, Lumsden says that he will not be cheering for one team over another.

“I don’t cheer. The only time I cheer is when my kids are playing. As my wife has told me, I’m not a great fan,” joked Lumsden. 

“I watch the game tactically and technically.”

While the exact cultural and economic impact of the Grey Cup remains to be seen, it will certainly be a jam-packed weekend for all those taking part in the festivities.

Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

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Sources: Ex-CFL star, Ontario cabinet minister Lumsden in mix for Elks president

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A name familiar to Edmonton Elks fans has surfaced as a potential president of the CFL club.

According to two sources, Neil Lumsden, who won three Grey Cups as a fullback with Edmonton, has emerged as a candidate for the Elks' full-time president position.

Lumsden, of London, Ont., is currently Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. 

He was elected in the riding of Hamilton East-Stoney Creek in June 2022.

Lumsden didn't immediately return telephone messages to both his ministry and constituency offices Monday. 

But on Tuesday, Lumsden told reporters at the Ontario Legislature he has not spoken to anyone about the Elks' job and said he wasn't interested in the post.

"Listen, I've got a job now and I've got my hands full, I've got a lot to do here," Lumsden said. "I really like my job . . . . I really like what I do and I like the people I'm around.

"Of course, I'm connected to Edmonton because I played there . . . but I've got a role to play here. I'm not interested."

The sources, including one in political circles, spoke on the condition of anonymity as the Elks have not divulged any details regarding their presidential search. Both said Lumsden hasn't petitioned for the job, nor has he been offered it, but his emergence as a candidate makes sense given his association with the franchise and background, both in football (as a player and running a franchise) and business.

Rick LeLacheur has been Edmonton's interim president/CEO since Aug. 22, assuming the post after the Elks and former president/CEO Victor Cui parted ways. 

LeLacheur previously served as Edmonton's president/CEO from 2002-2011, winning two Grey Cups. He was also the B.C. Lions president/CEO from 2018-2022.

Lumsden played 10 CFL seasons with the Toronto Argonauts (1976-78), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1978-79) and Edmonton (1980-85). He joined Edmonton at a time when the team ruled the league, winning five straight Grey Cups (1978-82).

Lumsden was named the top Canadian in Edmonton's come-from-behind 26-23 Grey Cup win over Ottawa in 1981.

Lumsden, who won a Vanier Cup at the University of Ottawa in 1975, was the East Division's top rookie in 1976. He appeared in 141 career CFL games, rushing for 3,755 yards and 36 TDs on 767 carries while adding 180 catches for 1,729 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

After his CFL playing career, Lumsden served as Ticats GM/director of business operations (1996-99), earning a fourth Grey Cup ring when Hamilton defeated Calgary 32-21 in the 1999 game at Vancouver's B.C. Place Stadium. In 2003, he was named chief operating officer and general manager of the world road cycling championships that were held in Hamilton.

Five years later, Lumsden was named honorary chairman of the Vanier Cup that also took place in Hamilton. In addition, he spent three years as the athletic director at Brock University.

Edmonton has enjoyed a long and storied CFL tenure. The franchise has amassed 699 all-time wins — tying it with Calgary for the most in league history — and won 14 Grey Cups, the last coming in 2015 when it finished atop the West Division with a 14-4-0 record.

But Edmonton hasn't reached the CFL playoffs since 2019 when it crossed over into the East Division after finishing fourth in the West with an 8-10 record. After dispatching Montreal 37-29, the Alberta club lost 36-16 to Hamilton in the conference final.

Since the CFL resumed play in 2021 — the global pandemic forced it to cancel the 2020 season — Edmonton has recorded three straight fifth-place finishes in the West Division, with records of 3-11-0 in 2021 and 4-14-0 in the last two years.

The franchise averaged just over 24,700 spectators per game this season — which included a season-low crowd of 19,921 that watched Edmonton surge to a 22-0 lead before dropping a 38-29 home loss to Winnipeg. This year's attendance is down significantly from 2015 when the franchise averaged a CFL-high 31,517 fans per game.

Next season, Edmonton will close the upper bowl at Commonwealth Stadium, which has a seating capacity for 56,400 fans. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 30, 2023.

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press

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Horseshoe reflects 'massive' impact of sports tourism: minister

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Neil Lumsden understands the 'sport' component in sports tourism.

The former Canadian Football League (CFL) star, and now Ontario’s minister of tourism, culture and sport, toured Horseshoe Resort in Oro-Medonte Township on Monday, getting the lay of the land.

“It’s just to get a better understanding of their business model, what they’re doing, why they’re having so much success, why they’re as good at doing what they do,” Lumsden said.

“It’s good for us to get a better understanding, at the ground level, of how this business is run and the great strides they’re making and the changes they make on an ongoing basis to have a great offering for families that, as I saw today, on a Monday, is just tremendous," he added. 

Horseshoe was its usual beehive of activity Monday, with skiers and snowboarders going on and coming off its snowy hills — no doubt aided by recent snowfalls and some sunshine.

Lumsden toured the resort with Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey, who is also Ontario’s attorney general.

The visiting MPP said the importance of sports tourism cannot be over-estimated.

“Massive, it’s massive,” Lumsden said. “You see how the impact is from an employment perspective, the amount of people that Horseshoe employs, year-round, the amount of revenue it drives within the community.

“Whether it’s just people filling up with gas or going to a restaurant, or staying here and skiing, the residual effect is huge,” he added. “Whether it’s one event coming here this weekend, or during a week (day), the impact is tremendous. I think we may lose sight of the importance of tourism and how it drives communities.”

Lumsden also noted his ministry has played a role in sports tourism surviving the COVID-19 pandemic, a nearly three-year-old international health emergency, with funding for the industry.

But the industry’s own talents are also impressive, the minister added.

“Seeing how they’ve navigated through a very, very difficult time and how appreciative they are of our government support of what they do,” he said. “They might not have made it had it not been for our government providing money through that and allowing them to come out the other side.

“(They’re) better than they were beforehand because they had to be creative, they had to take a good hard look at their business model and how they were not only going to get through, but how they would be better.”

Lumsden also said Ontarians are again appreciating what they have in their home province.

“The recognition of what Ontario has to offer … and we’re seeing it and hearing about it more importantly and I think it’s going to pay dividends in the long run,” he said.

“Certainly people want to go outside the province and I get that, but examine what we have and some of the great things within the province,” Lumsden added. “It doesn’t matter the season, doesn’t matter the time, Ontario has a whole lot to offer and people are starting to recognize it.”

Lumsden, a three-time Grey Cup champion as a fullback with Edmonton Eskimos (now called the Elks), was also scheduled to be at Mount St. Louis on Monday morning and at Blue Mountain near Collingwood this afternoon to hand out awards for the snowboard championship.

The Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP was elected to the Ontario Legislature as a Progressive Conservative in last June’s Ontario election. 

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Sources: Ex-CFL star, Ontario cabinet minister Lumsden in mix for Elks president

A name familiar to Edmonton Elks fans has surfaced as a potential president of the CFL club.

According to two sources, Neil Lumsden, who won three Grey Cups as a fullback with Edmonton, has emerged as a candidate for the Elks' full-time president position.

Lumsden, of London, Ont., is currently Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. He was elected in the riding of Hamilton East-Stoney Creek in June 2022.

Lumsden didn't immediately return telephone messages to both his ministry and constituency offices Monday.

The sources, including one in political circles, spoke on the condition of anonymity as the Elks have not divulged any details regarding their presidential search. Both did say Lumsden hasn't petitioned for the job, nor has he been offered it, but his emergence as a candidate makes sense given his association with the franchise and background, both in football (as a player and running a franchise) and business.

Rick LeLacheur has been Edmonton's interim president/CEO since Aug. 22, assuming the post after the Elks and former president/CEO Victor Cui parted ways.

LeLacheur previously served as Edmonton's president/CEO from 2002-2011, winning two Grey Cups. He was also the B.C. Lions president/CEO from 2018-2022.

Lumsden played 10 CFL seasons with the Toronto Argonauts (1976-78), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1978-79) and Edmonton (1980-85). He joined Edmonton at a time when the team ruled the league, winning five straight Grey Cups (1978-82).

Lumsden was named the top Canadian in Edmonton's come-from-behind 26-23 Grey Cup win over Ottawa in 1981.

Lumsden, who won a Vanier Cup at the University of Ottawa in 1975, was the East Division's top rookie in 1976. He appeared in 141 career CFL games, rushing for 3,755 yards and 36 TDs on 767 carries while adding 180 catches for 1,729 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

After his CFL playing career, Lumsden served as Ticats GM/director of business operations (1996-99), earning a fourth Grey Cup ring when Hamilton defeated Calgary 32-21 in the 1999 game at Vancouver's B.C. Place Stadium. In 2003, he was named chief operating officer and general manager of the world road cycling championships that were held in Hamilton.

Five years later, Lumsden was named honorary chairman of the Vanier Cup that also took place in Hamilton. In addition, he spent three years as the athletic director at Brock University.

Edmonton has enjoyed a long and storied CFL tenure. The franchise has amassed 699 all-time wins — tying it with Calgary for the most in league history — and won 14 Grey Cups, the last coming in 2015 when it finished atop the West Division with a 14-4-0 record.

But Edmonton hasn't reached the CFL playoffs since 2019 when it crossed over into the East Division after finishing fourth in the West with an 8-10 record. After dispatching Montreal 37-29 l, the Alberta club lost 36-16 to Hamilton in the conference final.

Since the CFL resumed play in 2021 — the global pandemic forced it to cancel the 2020 season — Edmonton has recorded three straight fifth-place finishes in the West Division, with records of 3-11-0 in 2021 and 4-14-0 in the last two years.

The franchise averaged just over 24,700 spectators per game this season — which included a season-low crowd of 19,921 that watched Edmonton surge to a 22-0 lead before dropping a 38-29 home loss to Winnipeg. This year's attendance is down significantly from 2015 when the franchise averaged a CFL-high 31,517 fans per game.

Next season, Edmonton will close the upper bowl at Commonwealth Stadium, which has a seating capacity for 56,400 fans.

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News Release

Ontario Building New and Upgraded Sports and Recreation Facilities

$200 million investment helping communities provide families and sports fans better access to modern facilities to play and watch

April 18, 2024

Office of the Premier

Table of Contents

Quick facts, additional resources, related topics.

OAKVILLE —The Ontario government is investing up to $200 million over three years to support Ontario’s growing communities with new and revitalized local sport and recreation facilities across the province.

The new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund was announced as part of the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario .

“Ontario’s new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund will transform and expand recreational facilities across the province, creating jobs and fostering healthier and more active lifestyles for families,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As our population grows, our government is building the necessary infrastructure so families can live, work, play and thrive right in their local communities."

Funding will be delivered through two streams:

• Repairing and upgrading existing sport and recreation facilities into more accessible, state-of-the-art facilities that better suit the community’s needs.
• Building new and transformative sport and recreation facilities, including replacing existing facilities that have reached the end of their lifespan and are beyond repair.

“Our government is listening to Ontarians and we want to ensure that new and upgraded facilities remain the heart of communities across this province for decades to come,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Not only will families benefit from better access to places to play, modern sport and recreation facilities will allow communities to host provincial, national and international events and competitions, attracting more visitors and good-paying jobs.”

Applications will be open to municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations. More information about eligibility and application guidelines will be provided in Summer 2024.

“Community centres and recreation facilities give people of all ages a safe place to come together, laugh, play and get the most out of their local community,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Our government will continue building the infrastructure needed to support growing communities, and investing in the well-being of children, families and seniors across the province.”

Investing in new and improved sport and recreation facilities through the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario will continue to support the province’s growing population and ensure that all Ontarians have access to opportunities to thrive.

• The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is a competitive, application-based program open to municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations.
• The sport and recreation sector contributed an estimated $2.6 billion to Ontario’s economy in 2021 and accounted for approximately 38,000 jobs.
• 2024 Ontario Budget: Building a Better Ontario

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Learn more about the live performances, cultural institutions and creative grants the province has to offer. Learn more

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Media Contacts

Caitlin Clark Premier’s Office [email protected]

Alan Sakach Minister Lumsden’s Office [email protected]

Denelle Balfour Communications Branch [email protected]

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