The Government of Canada Developing a Nationwide Code of Conduct to Eliminate Abuse in Sport

Tuesday, 21 May 2019 11:23.AM

The Government of Canada is proud of the work being done across Canada to create a safer sport environment, free from harassment, abuse and discrimination.

Our athletes are a tremendous source of national pride. Their determination and passion serve as an inspiration for Canadians, especially for young athletes and children in sport who dream of standing on the podium. The fact that athletes and sport participants have suffered from all types of harmful behaviour is unacceptable.

That is why the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty, announced the next phase in the development of a model code of conduct for sport in Canada to end abuse, discrimination and harassment in sport.

The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) hosted a series of 13 consultations with experts and sport officials across the country. These consultations culminated in this week's National Safe Sport Summit, where highlights of the discussions will be presented.

Expected outcomes of the summit include:

- The education of sport leaders from across the country and the national sport system on power imbalance and consent, and the endorsement of the definitions of maltreatment, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, bullying and neglect
- A pan-Canadian snapshot for consensus for a harmonized code and harmonized sanctions
- The endorsement of a clause banning sexual relationships between National Sport Organization-employed coaches and national team athletes
- Consensus on the principles required for the code of conduct, dealing with all forms of maltreatment
- Consensus for identifying the next steps to create safer sport and the timing for moving forward.

As Budget 2019 committed, our government has proposed an investment of $30 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, to enable Canadian sport organizations to advance safe, accessible, ethical and equitable sport. This funding will help ensure a higher standard sport experience for Canadian families, athletes, coaches and other participants. Details on this funding are expected to be announced in the near future.