A new report highlights significant issues within Canada's sports system, stating that it is in crisis and requires urgent reform. The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary findings on Thursday, emphasizing that the federal government must take action to better protect athletes nationwide.

Commissioner Lise Maisonneuve, a former chief justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, led the commission, which was established in 2023 following athletes' testimonies about systemic abuse. At a press conference in Ottawa, she stated, "The first finding that emerges … is that the Canadian sports system is in crisis. As many have told us, it is broken."

The commission conducted extensive outreach, visiting a dozen cities and gathering input from over 825 individuals, along with more than 1,000 written submissions and survey responses. The report identified several critical issues, including inadequate funding, outdated governance structures, and an excessive focus on high-performance sports.

Athletes reported various forms of abuse and maltreatment, including physical punishment, sexual assault, humiliation, intimidation, and neglect of medical care for injuries. "These deeply ingrained issues give rise to conflicts of interest, favoritism, a win-at-all-costs mentality, and a pervasive fear of losing funding across the system," Maisonneuve explained. She noted that these factors contribute to a long-standing culture of silence, which has been perpetuated by the normalization of harmful practices and entrenched power dynamics.

The report outlines 71 recommendations aimed at reforming the sports system. One key suggestion is the establishment of an independent body to oversee and coordinate sports and physical activity across Canada. This entity could be structured as a Crown corporation or a not-for-profit organization created through federal legislation. Similar organizations exist in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

The report also addresses jurisdictional challenges that have hindered efforts to combat abuse and maltreatment in sports. Currently, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) only investigates cases related to national, federally funded programs, leaving lower levels of sport to manage their own systems. In the first quarter of this year, the CCES received 111 reports, but only 11 were accepted for investigation, while 82 were dismissed due to not meeting the national criteria.

To address these jurisdictional issues, the commission recommends that Ottawa collaborate with provincial and territorial governments to create a national safe sport authority or tribunal. This body would oversee all safe sport legislation at the federal, provincial, and territorial levels. "We can have a uniform, centralized system in Canada to deal with complaints, so that it is transparent, open, and that people understand where to go," Maisonneuve said.

Additionally, the report calls for mandatory background screening requirements for sports organizations receiving federal funding. The need for reform has been underscored by athletes and witnesses who have come forward with their experiences of abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Maisonneuve emphasized the necessity for "transformative and profound" change, stating, "We must seize this opportunity that we have."

She concluded by expressing hope for a better system, saying, "It’s time for Canada to shine on the podium, but also across this nation in hockey arenas, soccer fields, gymnastic clubs, pickleball courts, just to name a few. Let’s build on the current momentum."