A report by the Future of Sport in Canada Commission, which aims to promote “safe sports” and “improvement of Canada’s sports system,” was released on March 24. The commission reported that abuse in sports is widespread at all levels and in all sports, from the grassroots to the national level, and is structurally present.
One of the commissioners, Lise Maisonneuve, pointed out that “institutional flaws and widespread abuse are undermining participant safety and the health of the sports system. This situation is unacceptable.” Abuse in sports takes many forms, including sexual assault, physical and psychological abuse, neglect, racism, bullying, and harassment. The committee interviewed more than 1,000 people, 175 of whom were victims of abuse, and heard many “heartbreaking testimonies of severe abuse.”
Many of the victims were still children when they were abused, and the effects continue to be severe even into adulthood. The report points out that abuse is often overlooked due to power imbalances and a culture of silence, and that in the sports world, winning, reputation, and funding tend to take precedence over the safety of participants. The report states that such abusive behaviour not only affects individual athletes but also undermines the credibility of the sports world.
The report makes recommendations focusing on “effective responses to abuse,” “victim support,” and “strengthening preventative measures.” Specifically, it calls for the establishment of a nationwide safe sports agency responsible for investigating and reporting abuse in sports at all levels, the creation of safe sports education programs, the development of background check systems, and the placement of safeguarding officers.
The Canadian government announced the establishment of the “Future of Sport in Canada Commission” on December 11, 2023. The commission consists of one independent member and two special advisors. The commission has two tasks: to review the sport system and make recommendations for concrete and effective actions.
On May 9, 2024, former Chief Judge Maisonneuve of the Ontario Provincial Court was appointed as the independent member along with the two special advisors. The commission’s initial term was 18 months from May 9, 2024, with a deadline of November 9, 2025, for the publication of its final report, but this was extended to March 31 of this year.