Swimming Canada Elects Carla Qualtrough as President
The former minister of sport and Paralympic medalist takes the helm of the national swimming governing body.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Swimming
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Swimming Canada has officially elected Carla Qualtrough as its new president. She brings significant experience in both elite international competition and federal government administration to the organization.
Why it matters
Her appointment connects extensive athletic expertise with high-level policy insight, aiming to provide strong leadership for the future of the national swimming program.
Qualtrough brings an athletic record that includes three bronze medals from the 1988 and 1992 Paralympic Games, plus six total medals from the 1990 world championships, comprising four silver and two bronze.
The players
Carla Qualtrough
She is a former Paralympic swimmer who previously served as the federal minister of sport and physical activity and as an MP for Delta, B.C.
Swimming Canada
This is the national governing body responsible for the development and regulation of competitive swimming in Canada.
The details
In addition to the presidential election, Swimming Canada appointed Zack Chetrat as vice-president and Suzanne Weckend as secretary. The governing body also welcomed Jennifer Button, Rachel Nicol, and Janet Morrison as new members of the board of directors.
Timeline
Qualtrough competed in the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games.
Qualtrough won six medals at the 1990 world championships.
Qualtrough competed in the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games.
Carla Qualtrough was elected president of Swimming Canada in October 2026.
Season Trajectory
The appointment follows the structural mandates established by the Physical Activity and Sport Act, which governs federal oversight in Canadian athletics. The election of a former minister to lead the governing body reinforces the alignment between national sports administration and the legislative framework provided by the act.
Qualtrough will immediately oversee the executive team including vice-president Zack Chetrat and secretary Suzanne Weckend. Her leadership role will directly influence the governance and administrative direction for all national swimming programs moving forward.
The takeaway
Qualtrough's transition from federal office to sports governance highlights a growing trend of seasoned public servants leading national athletic organizations. Her background in both policy and competition provides a unique perspective for managing the complexities of national swimming programs.
Further reading
For more information on the current leadership and governance of the sport, visit Swimming.
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