Canada's winter Olympic athletes can breathe a little easier.

Minister of State Gary Lunn announced Friday that the federal government's funding support for Canada's winter sports will remain status quo.

In total, $27,635,204 is being provided to the 12 winter sport organizations this year through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program, Lunn announced at the Canadian figure skating championships.

Skate Canada's CEO William Thompson said there was a real fear following the Vancouver Olympics that winter sports would suffer funding cuts.

"Oh yes, absolutely, and particularly for some sports who are very reliant on it," Thompson said. "For us the OTP part is not as big a piece, we certainly would have missed it, but others, coaches, their salaries, people who were hired were hanging on it."

Skate Canada will receive $1,846,000, which is neither an increase nor decrease. About $1.1 million of that is core funding for grassroots programs, while $700,00 is dedicated Own The Podium funding for the sport's top athletes, coaches and support.

Own The Podium was created in hopes of propelling Canada to the top of the medal table at the Vancouver Olympics, and Canadians went on to win 26 medals at the Games last February, including a host-nation record 14 golds.

Alpine Canada will receive $4,795,700 annually - the highest of the 12 winter sport organizations. Speed Skating Canada will get $3,683,847, while Hockey Canada will receive $3,368,500. At the bottom end of the spectrum, Ringette Canada gets $455,000 and Broomball Canada, $203,000.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the significant success and efforts of our athletes and coaches and works to ensure that they continue to have the venues and resources needed," Lunn said. "This confirmed funding represents an unprecedented level of assistance to national winter-sport organizations and will contribute to making Canada a leading sport nation."

The funding announced Friday is through the next five years.