Former Paralympian, sport minister Carla Qualtrough elected Swimming Canada president

OTTAWA — Former federal cabinet minister Carla Qualtrough has been elected president of Swimming Canada, the organization announced Wednesday.

The former Paralympic swimmer won three bronze medals representing Canada at the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Games.

She also won six medals at the 1990 world championships, including four silver and two bronze.

Qualtrough later served as an MP for Delta, B.C., and held several federal cabinet posts, including minister of sport and physical activity.

“I’m honoured to serve as President of Swimming Canada and give back to a sport that has shaped my life as an athlete, Paralympian and leader,” said Qualtrough in a statement.

“This is an important time for Canadian sport, and I look forward to working with our board, athletes, coaches, staff, members and partners to build on Swimming Canada’s strong foundation and support success at every level, from community pools to the Olympic and Paralympic podium.”

Qualtrough has been named one of Canada’s most influential women in sport six times. She is a member of the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame, and her honours include the Bruce Kidd Athlete Leadership Award, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Zack Chetrat has been named vice-president, Suzanne Weckend will serve as secretary, while Olympians Jennifer Button and Rachel Nicol, along with post-secondary leader Janet Morrison, were also elected as new directors.


Chetrat joined the Swimming Canada Board in September 2022 after four years on the organization’s Athlete Council. A competitive swimmer for 16 years, he represented Canada internationally and competed at the club and varsity levels.

Existing board members Mark Fraser, Justina Di Fazio and Luc Bisaillon will continue their terms, while president Sue Owen, Migan Megardichian and Matt Dans are departing.

“Strong governance is essential to the continued growth and success of Swimming Canada,” said Suzanne Paulins, chief executive officer of Swimming Canada, in a statement. “This board brings a valuable combination of sport experience, professional expertise and a deep understanding of our swimming community.

“We look forward to working together to strengthen our organization, support our members and create opportunities for athletes to succeed at every level of the sport.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2026.

The Canadian Press