Sport builds communities, stimulates economies, and contributes to the overall well-being of Canadians and the country. However, without sufficient safeguards and accountability, sport can also do harm. There is an urgent need to address the systemic maltreatment and abuse that continues to occur at all levels and contexts of sport.
That's why the Government of Canada is working to build a safe, inclusive and welcoming sport system so that Canadians can experience the transformative power of sport.
Today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, announced the Governor in Council appointment of former Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, Lise Maisonneuve, as the Commissioner to lead the Future of Sport in Canada Commission. Also appointed are Ms. Noni Classen and Dr. Andrew Pipe, who will support Justice Maisonneuve as Special Advisors.
Under the leadership of Justice Maisonneuve, the Commission will undertake an independent and forward-looking review of Canada's sport system. Over the course of 18 months, it will engage and seek input from a broad array of stakeholders and experts from within and outside the sport system-including victims and survivors of maltreatment in sport-to bring to light lived experiences, support healing and make recommendations on how to improve the sport system in Canada. The process will be trauma-informed, survivor-centred and human rights-based. The Commission will produce two reports and hold a National Summit for participants to deliberate preliminary findings and recommendations.
Commission activities will include regional and subject-specific roundtables, a public online survey, and a public online submission portal. The Commission may also conduct in-camera sessions, meetings, interviews, focus groups or other activities it considers appropriate to fulfill its mandate. The Commission will offer participants a variety of engagement options, as well as the opportunity to provide impact statements. All Canadians are encouraged to participate.
Budget 2024 provides $10.6 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to support the operations of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission in its review of the Canadian sport system.
While the Commission conducts its independent review, the Government of Canada will continue its work to address maltreatment in the sport system.
