Canada’s Sport Integrity Agency Flags Persistent Regional Gaps in Safe Sport Rules

Ongoing Concerns Over Regional Safe Sport Disparities

More than six months after a critical report spotlighted the prevalence of abuse and maltreatment in Canadian sport, the head of Canada’s sport integrity agency says major concerns remain about inconsistent safe sport rules across regions. Jeremy Luke, president and CEO of Sport Integrity Canada, emphasized these gaps as a serious issue still affecting athletes, coaches, and sport leaders at all levels.

Safe Sport Program and National Registry

Sport Integrity Canada oversees Canada’s Safe Sport Program and maintains a public registry documenting over 80 individuals sanctioned by more than two dozen sporting bodies. This registry lists those found in violation of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport—a set of rules that all national sport organizations must follow to receive federal funding. The code covers a spectrum of unacceptable behaviors, from physical, psychological, and sexual abuse to neglect and retaliation.

Sanctions imposed on violators range from suspensions and required education to lifetime bans. However, some offenders do not appear on the registry due to inconsistent adoption of the code at provincial and local levels, meaning many cases at these levels may go unreported on the national list.

Systemic Issues and 'Culture of Silence'

Led by former Ontario Chief Justice Lise Maisonneuve, the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s final report, released in March, described enduring problems within the Canadian sport system, including a "culture of silence" and widespread issues of racism and discrimination. The report highlighted that despite policy efforts and growing awareness, maltreatment remains deeply entrenched, affecting individuals at all levels—including grassroots participants.

The commission’s findings drew on feedback from more than 1,000 participants in the Canadian sport system, who cited major inconsistencies in safe sport policies across jurisdictions. They called for a unified approach to standards and remedies to ensure safety for everyone engaged in sport throughout the country.

Call for Harmonization and Pan-Canadian Approach

There is an "urgent" need for harmonization of safe sport rules and procedures across Canada, the commission stressed. Although the Red Deer Declaration was signed more than seven years ago with the goal of addressing abuse in sport, implementation has been inconsistent. Provinces like Quebec have established their own legislation, while British Columbia created Sport Safeguarding BC to address complaints. Still, many jurisdictions lack a centralized complaints process, relying instead on third parties, which the commission described as costly and inconsistent.

The commission recommended creating a pan-Canadian safe sport program to harmonize rules, education, and complaint handling. Luke echoed this view, envisioning a role for Sport Integrity Canada in leading efforts to close registry gaps and provide guidance for consistent nationwide standards. However, he acknowledged challenges in implementing comprehensive systems across all levels.

Funding and Collaborative Solutions

The federal government has committed more than $1 billion to aid the sport system’s transition, with specific increases in funding for Sport Integrity Canada and the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada. Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s secretary of state for sport, noted that Sport Integrity Canada has been effective in identifying gaps and applying for resources. However, true progress on safe sport will require cooperation between federal, provincial, and territorial governments—a process expected to take significant time and political will.

According to Sport Canada, "addressing maltreatment is a shared responsibility that requires commitment and collaboration from all levels of government." Efforts include advancing independent complaint mechanisms, expanding education initiatives, and exploring the creation of a national safe sport registry.

Comparing International Approaches

Sport Integrity Canada is part of the International Integrity Group, collaborating with partners such as Sport Integrity Australia. Australia, with its own federated system, has sought to bridge gaps between levels of government by appointing integrity managers to link national and state-level policies. The Australian agency, operating with a legislative mandate, enables closer cooperation with law enforcement—a model that differs from Canada’s less centralized system. Sport Integrity Canada's Jeremy Luke cited potential benefits of the Australian approach as Canada considers evolving its own framework.

Both Australian and Canadian agencies continue to review and refine their programs, with culture change and harmonization at the core of their efforts to make sport safer for all participants.

Source: cbc.ca.