Canada launches independent commission to investigate abuse in sport

Photo: Roland Harrison

The Canadian federal government has announced the formation of an independent commission that will look into abuses within the national sport system but stopped short of the public inquiry many groups have demanded.

The three member Future of Sport in Canada commission will produce two reports during its 18-month mandate and cost $12 to $18 million.

Its goal will be looking at how to improve the Canadian sport system, said Sports Minister Carla Qualtrough.

The commission will make its findings public and following a preliminary report it will hold a national summit where participants can deliberate on the initial findings.

Athletes from a number of sports have testified at parliamentary committees over the past year and shared stories about the physical and mental abuse they endured at the hands of coaches and other officials.

The federal government has come under intense pressure from athletes, safe sport advocate groups and academics to hold a national public inquiry.

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Photo: 123RF

“We are disappointed the minister did not support survivors and advocates’ calls for a national inquiry that meets judicial standards with the power to compel documents, and subpoena testimony from organisations,” Global Athlete, an international athlete-led movement seeking positive change in world sport, and Gymnasts for Change Canada said in a statement.

“For almost two years, we have called for a national inquiry into the Canadian sport system.

“While child abuse and violations of athletes human rights underpin our calls, we recognise that abuse and limited justice are symptoms of a larger systemic problem that must be addressed through this review.”

However Sports Minister Carla Qualtrough said an inquiry would have required negotiations with provinces and territories over jurisdiction, delaying the start of any investigations by months, if not years, and could inflict even more trauma on victims and survivors.

-Reuters