The Future of Sport in Canada Commission officially launched its public survey on Monday, a vital step towards improving the sport system and ensuring safety at all levels. This initiative is particularly timely, given the recent reports and discussions surrounding maltreatment in sports, which have gained attention following the revelations from the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. As part of its efforts, the commission aims to gather diverse opinions on safe sport and related issues ahead of a summit set to take place in the fall.
A significant theme of the survey is addressing maltreatment in organized sports in Canada. Participants are asked whether they have witnessed or personally experienced maltreatment, as well as their views on the prevalence of this issue in the national sports framework. Allison Forsyth, a former Olympic skier and a strong advocate for safe sport, has voiced concerns regarding the survey’s accessibility. She believes that while the commission’s work is essential, some questions presuppose a respondent’s familiarity with defined terms and concepts, such as maltreatment, as outlined in the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport.
Forsyth highlights a critical gap in awareness, particularly at the grassroots level. Many community members may not fully understand what “safe sport” entails or what constitutes maltreatment. “If it was sent to the public as their opportunity to contribute to the future of sport in Canada,” she remarked, “it doesn’t do enough to explain to people the foundation of safe sport.” This lack of foundational knowledge poses a challenge to meaningful participation in the survey.
The Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s survey will remain open for public participation until August and can be accessed through the official Canada.ca website or its respective social media channels. Forsyth’s unique perspective as a survivor of sexual abuse in sports further emphasizes the urgency of creating a safer environment within the sport system. In her role as a safe sport officer for Canada Soccer, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that grassroots participants, along with their families, feel secure in their sporting environments.
The commission’s establishment stems from a broader federal initiative to address maltreatment and abuse reports that emerged following the Olympics. Athletes have bravely spoken out before parliamentary committees, recounting their experiences of mental, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, often accompanied by fears of retribution for reporting such incidents. The commission’s two-part questionnaire is framed as an opportunity for Canadians to share their experiences and perspectives, ultimately contributing to a safer, more inclusive sporting landscape across the nation.
Participation in the survey represents a chance for individuals to join the dialogue on enhancing safety in Canadian sport, thereby fostering a more accountable and supportive environment. This public outreach follows a series of cross-country consultations held from October to January, where athletes, coaches, officials, and sport organizations voiced their thoughts and experiences. The outcomes of these discussions laid the groundwork for the current survey’s questions.
The commission, led by former Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice Lise Maisonneuve, plans to produce a preliminary report by August. This report will precede a two-session national summit scheduled for September 8-9 and September 11-12 in Ottawa. The objective is clear: to harness insights from a variety of stakeholders to develop practical recommendations for enhancing safe sport in Canada.
Carla Qualtrough, the former sports minister, announced the commission in December 2023, with the 2024 federal budget allocating $10.6 million over two years to support its endeavors. Since Lise Maisonneuve’s appointment on May 9, 2024, the commission has been on a tight timeline, aiming to collect data, conduct consultations, and generate a final set of recommendations by March 31, 2026. This extension demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing these pressing issues comprehensively.
In conclusion, the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s public survey is a significant development in the ongoing effort to improve the safety and integrity of sports across the country. By calling on Canadians to share their insights and experiences, the commission seeks not only to raise awareness about maltreatment but also to create a framework that promotes a secure environment for all participants, especially children at the grassroots level. With ongoing commitment from various stakeholders, there is hope that a more inclusive and accountable sport system will emerge in Canada, where every individual can participate without fear of maltreatment.
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