Canada has named Valérie Maltais and Steven Dubois as its joint flag-bearers for the Milano‑Cortina 2026 closing ceremony in Verona, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced on Feb. 21, 2026. Canadians can watch the pageantry live on CBC and CBC Gem.
Two familiar faces will lead Team Canada’s march. Maltais, a veteran of five Olympics, capped these Games with a gold in the women’s team pursuit and two individual bronze medals. Dubois, 28, added a spark of speed—taking gold in the men’s 500 metres and helping secure silver in the mixed relay. Between them they bring a string of podium finishes and steady leadership that many inside the camp say helped define Canada’s speed‑skating story at these Games.
Why they were chosen
The pairing balances experience and current form. Maltais is the embodiment of endurance and mentorship: still on the podium after a long career, she played a key role alongside Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann in repeating as Olympic champions in the team pursuit. Her steady presence and willingness to guide younger skaters made her an obvious pick to represent the delegation.
Dubois, known for his trademark handlebar moustache and explosive sprinting, has quietly built an impressive résumé. His 500‑metre title and relay silver added to his Olympic medal count and raised his profile inside the team. Selecting him as co‑flag bearer spotlights both his competitive accomplishments and his rising leadership within the squad.
Reactions from the athletes
Both athletes responded to the honour with humility. Dubois said he’d been trying to balance enjoying the moment with staying focused on results—and felt lucky to have managed both. Maltais called the opportunity the perfect capstone to her Olympic journey, describing how she tried to mix relentless preparation with the freedom to dream. Their remarks emphasized more than medals: they spoke to what it means to represent Canada on one of sport’s biggest stages.
What comes next
Maltais has indicated Milano‑Cortina will be her last Olympics, though she plans to skate another season and is eyeing coaching and finishing a university degree. Dubois hasn’t laid out long‑term plans publicly, but the visibility from this role will likely bring new leadership opportunities and sponsor interest.
The closing ceremony’s meaning
The Verona ceremony marks the formal end of the Olympic programme: a last collective appearance where athletes, coaches and officials come together one final time. Having two decorated speed skaters lead Canada underscores the nation’s strength on the ice this year while offering a neat narrative of farewell and renewal—veterans stepping back as the next generation steps forward.
Broadcast and logistics
CBC and CBC Gem will carry the closing ceremony for Canadian viewers. Team Canada will parade into Verona with Maltais and Dubois at the front, carrying the Maple Leaf for what promises to be a memorable final march.
For fans, it’s a fitting tribute; for the athletes, a proud moment to close this chapter of their Olympic stories.