Andrew Baker is set to take on the role of president and CEO of Alpine Canada, with expectations of reaping the rewards of his past contributions. He will succeed Therese Brisson, who recently transitioned to the position of CEO at Skate Canada following a six-year tenure. Baker, who spent 21 years at the Canadian Olympic Committee, most recently serving as the COC’s chief external affairs officer, will commence his new role at Alpine Canada in September.
Alpine Canada, responsible for overseeing alpine and Para alpine racing as well as ski cross, manages approximately 15,000 registered racers and 5,500 coaches across 200 clubs nationwide, as per the organization’s 2025 annual report. Additionally, Alpine Canada hosts international World Cup races in Canada.
Two women’s giant slaloms are on the agenda for Mont-Tremblant, Que., in December, with a World Cup ski cross event scheduled for March at Craigleith in Ontario. Baker’s arrival at Alpine Canada coincides with the commencement of a new Olympic quadrennial leading up to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
Having played a key role in the COC’s advocacy efforts for increased core funding for national sport organizations, Baker expressed enthusiasm for the current state of sports in Canada. The federal government recently announced a substantial injection of $755 million into high-performance sport over the next five years, with $660 million allocated directly to organizations like Alpine Canada.
Looking ahead, Baker emphasized the potential for growth and development post-Milan Cortina, where Canada met its world championship and Olympic and Paralympic medal targets but fell short of securing Olympic medals in alpine skiing and ski cross. Despite this setback, Canadian Para alpine athletes achieved a silver and four bronze medals in Italy.
As Canada prepares for the 2030 Winter Games, plans are underway for a potential return of men’s speed races in the West Coast. Significant investments have been earmarked for hosting international sports events and upgrading alpine training centers across the country, providing a promising future for Canadian athletes aiming to excel on the global stage.