Andrew Baker is set to take over as the new president and CEO of Alpine Canada, following Therese Brisson’s departure to lead Skate Canada after six years. Baker, who spent 21 years in various roles at the Canadian Olympic Committee and most recently served as the COC’s chief external affairs officer, will assume his new position in September.
Alpine Canada, responsible for overseeing alpine and Para alpine racing as well as ski cross, manages around 15,000 registered racers and 5,500 coaches across 200 clubs nationwide, as reported in the organization’s 2025 annual report. Additionally, Alpine Canada hosts international World Cup races in Canada.
Notable events on the horizon include women’s giant slaloms in Mont-Tremblant, Que., and a World Cup ski cross event at Craigleith in Ontario. Baker’s arrival at Alpine Canada coincides with the beginning of preparations for the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.
The 43-year-old Montreal native played a key role in the COC’s efforts to secure increased core funding for national sport organizations. The federal government’s recent announcement of a $755 million injection into high-performance sport over the next five years, with $660 million allocated to organizations like Alpine Canada, signifies a significant boost for Canadian sports.
Baker expressed enthusiasm for the potential of Canadian sports, citing the country’s historical excellence and current achievements in alpine, ski cross, and Para alpine disciplines. He emphasized the importance of funding and support for athletes to drive performance and inspire future generations.
Looking ahead, Alpine Canada aims to build on its strategic plan targets for world championships and Olympic and Paralympic medals. While Canada fell short of Olympic medals in alpine skiing and ski cross at the recent Milan Cortina Games, Para alpine athletes secured a silver and four bronze medals.
As preparations continue for the 2030 Winter Games, discussions are ongoing regarding potential locations for men’s speed races, with Whistler or Panorama, B.C., being considered. The government’s commitment to funding international sports events and upgrading training centers bodes well for Canadian athletes aiming for success in the upcoming competitions.