Piers McDonald remembers being intrigued from afar as a youth during the early days of the Canada Games Movement, when the first editions of the Games were staged in Quebec City in 1967 and in Halifax in 1969. That initial curiosity would eventually blossom into a deep personal and professional connection that remains to this day.

“The Canada Games did make an impact on me in those early days. I remember the theme songs from those first Games and it was inspiring because it helped us build a sense of identity with other parts of Canada. So I have always been intrigued by what the Canada Games have meant to the country,” said McDonald, who grew up in Kingston, Ontario.

McDonald moved to the Yukon at age 20, where he began working in the mines. He later found his calling in serving his community through a distinguished career in both politics and business. He served in the territorial legislature for 18 years, including a term as the Premier of Yukon. 

It was there that McDonald developed a true connection with the Canada Games. In addition to keeping tabs on the progress of Yukon athletes, McDonald’s son Ewan competed for the territory in cycling at the 2001 Canada Games in London. 

“That was a big moment for all of us. He was there representing Yukon and being thrust onto a big stage with people from all over Canada. That sort of elevates your vision of who Canadians are and opens up a wider world for these kids. But it also builds a stronger sense of civic responsibility and participation.”

McDonald would soon get the chance to participate himself off of the field of play. In 2002, he was asked by the Mayor of Whitehorse to spearhead the 2007 Canada Winter Games as President of the Host Society. This marked the first Canada Games held above the 60th parallel, and McDonald was a fierce champion in promoting Canada’s North while orchestrating a strong sense of cooperation with the Northern Territories on the hosting opportunity. 

“I had a front row seat in getting a stronger and more detailed sense of what the Canada Games were all about and the efforts that people made to pull off every iteration of the Games. I was really impressed by the volunteer spirit and the savvy required to make each version of the Games exciting and foster strong memories for the people who participate. 

“The more I got involved, the more intrigued I became by what the Games actually meant to not only our country, but to the Host communities.”

McDonald distinctly remembers how much of a unifying force the Games were in transcending barriers to bring the people of Whitehorse together as it prepared to host the nation. It was a palpable sensation you could see and feel within the community. 

“It really helped to build a much stronger sense of what it was to be a northern Canadian, what it was to be a Whitehorse resident, and so the impact on the community was very significant. The thought of the rest of the country coming to stay for a couple of weeks, almost like a giant sleepover, got people excited about taking on a national institution and being responsible for it.

“This was one of the first times where a major Canadian event came to the North, and where the rest of the country would have to come to the North to participate. And so we wanted to put on a good show, and in some ways a unique one. We wanted to bring some colour, some genuine sense of the character of the North that many Canadians don’t see.” 

Nearly 20 years later, the sight of a tattered, well-worn volunteer jacket around Whitehorse signals to McDonald that those 2007 Games mattered to people. From lifelong memories to a community pillar like the Canada Games Centre, they still resonate within the community. 

For McDonald, he has enjoyed many personal conversations and debates throughout his time with the Canada Games, as well as the people he has worked with along the way. He truly believes in the Games and their ability to spark greatness – in people, in communities and in unifying the country from coast to coast to coast.

“I can’t think of a better way to promote good, healthy citizenship or a sense of Canadianness than the Canada Games. When you experience the excitement and see all the provinces and territories coming together to not only compete, but also to share in their Canadian identity. That is absolutely unique and so hard to replicate. It brings our country together with people from every corner – from every rural subdivision and country road to every city neighbourhood. 

“With a country as broad and with such diversity as Canada, there are very few institutions like the Canada Games that really build a sense of what it is to be Canadian and to really appreciate how rich the culture of this country actually is. It really is a marvelous creation.”

McDonald was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008 – the second-highest civilian honour in the country – for his lifetime of service to the Yukon, including his leadership of the 2007 Canada Games. 

A former Canada Games Council Board member, McDonald continues to be a strong advocate for the Canada Games Movement, with it being one of several charitable causes he supports. 

“I continue to do a lot of volunteer work, and I can't really think of anything that's of higher value than investing in future generations of people and building strong character. They're the people who are going to be carrying the burden in the future and so I encourage people to invest in them, whether it be through education or particularly through sport.”

Those interested in supporting the Canada Games, like McDonald, can donate online or find out how to get involved at canadagames.ca.