Canada’s efforts to combat abuse in sports saw slow progress in 2024

Steps to make Canadian sports safer were taken in 2024, but the journey towards a safer sports environment is still ongoing. A national commission initiated cross-country public consultations, launched an online registry of individuals under investigation for maltreatment in sports, and announced a significant shift in how future complaints will be handled.

Despite these efforts, Canada is still far from achieving the necessary culture change to eradicate toxic behavior in sports. Erin Willson, an Olympic artistic swimmer and former president of AthletesCan, emphasized the need to reevaluate the values and priorities within the sporting community. She highlighted the importance of celebrating more than just winning and focusing on creating a positive and respectful environment for all participants.

Bruce Kidd, a University of Toronto professor emeritus in sport and public policy, graded Canada’s progress in safe sport as a C-plus. He emphasized the need for widespread awareness of the Universal Code of Conduct to prevent and eliminate maltreatment and abuse in sports.

Amelia Cline, director of Athletes Empowered and a former elite gymnast, expressed concerns about the lack of significant progress in addressing the systemic issues within the sports system. Despite increased awareness, there are still individuals within the system who either ignore or enable abusive behavior, creating a culture of fear and silence for those experiencing maltreatment.

The year 2024 marked a turning point for sports integrity in Canada following headline-making revelations of abuse within the sports community. The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) introduced a searchable database of sanctioned individuals and those under provisional restrictions. However, there is a need to expand the registry to cover incidents at all levels of sport, including grassroots programs.

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission, established in 2023, began public consultations to gather input on making sports safer and enhancing governance and accountability within the sports sector. While the commission has been viewed as a positive step, there are concerns about the political will to implement its recommendations following leadership changes within the sports portfolio.

In 2025, OSIC will transition under the Canadian Centre For Ethics in Sport, a move aimed at streamlining the complaint and sanctioning process. This transition is expected to enhance the independence and efficiency of the complaints body and address the challenges it has faced.

Despite the progress made in 2024, there is still much work to be done to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants in Canadian sports. The ongoing efforts to address systemic issues and prioritize athlete well-being are crucial in building a culture of respect and integrity within the sports community.