May 06, 2015 (Canmore, AB) – There are major staff changes happening at Cross-Country Canada SkiTrax has learned from reliable sources. We understand that Davin MacIntosh (Chief Executive Officer) is no longer with the organization and that Matthew Jeffries (Director of Business Development) is leaving soon to take a similar position with Cycling Canada (formerly the Canadian Cycling Association).

CCC Board of Directors Chairman, Jamie Coatsworth, confirmed today that Jeffries is leaving the organization, but stopped short of confirming the same for MacIntosh, a lawyer, who has been at the helm of CCC since 2009. “I’ve heard various things, but I understand that no, he hasn’t left. It’s not my policy to discuss (CCC) personnel issues (with 3rd parties)…” Coatsworth said he would soon be in contact with MacIntosh to verify the situation.

The association has been dealing with challenging times considering last year’s funding cuts of an estimated 30% by Sports Canada which is tied to international results. As previously reported, the Sochi Olympics were a disappointment for CCC and this past season, with the exception of Alex Harvey’s four medals, the national team obtained lacklustre results. SkiTrax understands that news of funding levels is pending soon as well.

Coatsworth mentioned that one corporate sponsor (CPR) left last year while another, Statoil, did not renew adding to the association’s woes. The Norwegian based petroleum company has reduced its involvement in the Oil Sands and CCC’s funding is one of the casualties. These funding cuts will be felt on the development side.

Earlier this year, National Ski Team coach, Tor-Arne Hetland did not have his contract renewed – read more here. SkiTrax has received unconfirmed information that Hetland is now working with the national team in his native Norway.

Amidst these major changes for Cross-Country Canada, there are also other major changes in Alberta. The staunchly conservative, oil-rich province has sometimes been called “Canada’s Texas.” But this morning Albertans woke up to find that Rachel Notley’s leftist New Democratic Party has won a majority government, with the Wild Rose Party forming the official opposition. After a 43-year dynasty, the Conservatives have been relegated to third party status. It is unlikely, however, that these political changes will impact operations at CCC.