The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, Regional Minister for Northern Alberta and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Spruce Grove, celebrated the one year countdown to the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ during her first official engagement as an Event Ambassador for the world's premier sporting event for women.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 will be held from 6 June to 5 July marking the first major sporting event hosted from coast to coast in Canada, with matches to be played in: Vancouver, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Ottawa, Ontario; Montreal, Québec; and Moncton, New Brunswick.

“I’m thrilled that Canada will serve as host to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the largest women’s sporting event in the world,” said the Ambrose. “As an Event Ambassador for this event, I’m pleased to welcome the world to Canada and I look forward to building a lasting legacy for sport, women, and for all Canadians. The FIFA Women’s World Cup encourages young Canadians and their families to participate in sport activities, inspiring future generations of Canadians through strong, female role models.”

The second official Event Ambassador announced, Minister Ambrose joins Kara Lang, one of Canada Soccer's All-Time Canada XI footballers and current television broadcaster, as a champion for women’s sport.

“Minister Ambrose has a long history of supporting women as well as healthy and active living. We are thrilled to have her on board as an Event Ambassador and look forward to working with her in the coming months to promote our shared values,” said Victor Montagliani, Chairman of the National Organising Committee and President of the Canadian Soccer Association. “As we play host to athletes from around the world next year, our focus is 'To a greater goal™' and creating a legacy for sport, for women, and for Canada that reaches far beyond the competition.”

Canada 2015 Event Ambassadors will help to demonstrate Canadian hospitality as we welcome the world to our nation. They will profile our country's rich natural history and cultural diversity to the international community through a global television audience.

Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 gives Canadians a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be involved in a world-class event on home soil. It is expected to create an economic impact of $337-million across the country.

Additional Event Ambassadors for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 will be announced in the coming months.