Future of Sport in Canada Commission to Address Maltreatment in Sports

Sport plays a vital role in Canadian communities, economies, and overall well-being.

However, without proper safeguards and accountability, it can also lead to harm.

Recognizing this, the Government of Canada is taking action to ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming sports system that harnesses the transformative power of sports for all Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, announced the 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. Ms. Noni Classen and Dr. Andrew Pipe will join her as special advisors.

Under Justice Maisonneuve's leadership, the Commission will conduct an independent and forward-looking review of Canada's sport system.

Over 18 months, it will engage stakeholders and experts, including victims and survivors of maltreatment in sport, to gather insights, support healing, and make recommendations for improvement.

The process will prioritize trauma-informed, survivor-centred, and human rights-based approaches.

The Commission will produce two reports and host a National Summit for participants to discuss preliminary findings and recommendations.

Commission activities will include regional and subject-specific roundtables, a public online survey, and a submission portal.

In-camera sessions, interviews, and focus groups may also be conducted.

Participants will have various engagement options and the opportunity to provide impact statements.

All Canadians are encouraged to participate.

Budget 2024 allocates $10.6 million over two years, beginning in 2024–25, to support the operations of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission.

While the Commission conducts its review, the Government of Canada remains committed to addressing maltreatment in the sport system.

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission will review the sports system in Canada and make recommendations for improvements to safe sports and the Canadian sports system.

It will report publicly on its findings and recommendations.

The Commission will function independently and be transparent and flexible.

Budget 2024 proposes to provide: