Olympic ice dancers Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue show off their gold medals, which Moir says they never could have won without the Own the Podium program. Olympic ice dancers Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue show off their gold medals, which Moir says they never could have won without the Own the Podium program. (CBC)

Two of Canada's gold medallists are defending the Own the Podium program geared to winning most medals at the 2010 Olympics, and say they wouldn't have won without the controversial program.

"I could honestly say that I would not have this thing in my hand without the Own the Podium program, quite simply," Scott Moir said, holding the gold medal he and Tessa Virtue won Monday in the ice-dance competition.

'It's not, "First place or bust." '—Heritage Minister James Moore

The pair made history at the event by being not only the first Canadians to win the ice-dance gold but the first North American team to manage the feat.

The $117-million Own the Podium initiative — $66 million of it from Canadian taxpayers — has been criticized for setting expectations too high and for making the Canadian Olympic team seem arrogant.

Moir said the program is necessary.

"Skating is a very expensive sport. There's no way you could do it without help from your country," said Moir.

Heritage Minister James Moore attended an International Media Centre celebratory event in Vancouver Tuesday with the new ice-dance champions and said the name of the Own the Podium program should not be taken literally.

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"It's not, 'First place or bust,' " said Moore.

"It's … 'Go for gold and go for broke and do yourself proud and perform at the best of your ability.'"

Although Canadian Ashleigh McIvor had not yet won her gold in skicross Tuesday when Moir spoke, he predicted more gold ahead.

'The Canadian team is so strong'

"I just think that the Canadian team is so strong and we're so much better than we've ever been and I really am having a hard time seeing the downfall of a program like Own the Podium."

The Canadian Olympic Committee admitted Monday that it was mathematically impossible for the program to live up to its name.

Team officials now have their sights set on winning more than the 24 medals Canada won at the Winter Olympics in Turin, the most the country has ever won.

As of Tuesday night, Canada had won 11 medals and fewer than 20 events remained to be decided at the 2010 Games.