Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

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.

Photo: Hockey, a deeply rooted part of Quebec’s culture for over 150 years, is set to be officially
recognized as the province’s national sport with the introduction of Bill 90, which also
establishes National Ice Hockey Day. (TF) Photo: courtesy of Minister Mathieu Lacombe’s
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