Appendices

On this page

• Appendix 1: Comparison chart of provincial and territorial ministries responsible for sport and sport federations
• Appendix 2: National Sport Organizations funded under the Sport Support Program in 2024-2025
• Appendix 3: National Multisport Service Organizations funded under the Sport Support Program in 2022-2023
• Appendix 4: Recommendations contained in the final report titled “Aiming High: Independent Approaches to Administer the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport in Canada” issued by McLaren Global Sport Solutions Inc. on October 5, 2020
• Appendix 5: Detailed summary of the complaint management process under the former Abuse-Free Sport Program
• Appendix 6: List of National Sport Organizations, Multisport Service Organizations and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes that have adopted the Canadian Safe Sport Program
• Appendix 7: List of provincial and territorial complaint mechanisms, including Independent Third-Party Mechanisms
• Appendix 8: Table outlining examples of complaints handled by Sport Integrity Australia compared to those managed by Australian sport organizations
• Appendix 9: Comparison table between the former Abuse-Free Sport Program and the Canadian Safe Sport Program
• Appendix 10: Chart comparing different models for a Centralized Sport Entity
• Appendix 11: Chart outlining good governance practices contemplated in the Canadian Sport Governance Code and referenced in other sources
• Appendix 12: Primary sources of federal funding for sport and physical activity
• Appendix 13: Sport Canada funding by program since the 2020-2021 fiscal year
• Appendix 14: Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities – Stream 1
• Appendix 15: Sport Support Program funding allocated to Provinces and Territories from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025
• Appendix 16: List and titles of Future of Sport in Canada Commission employees
• Appendix 17: Number of sport organizations the Commission met with
• Appendix 18: Commission’s online public survey
• Appendix 19: Demographic results of the Commission’s online public survey respondents
• Appendix 20: List of the Commission’s Calls to Action

Appendix 1: Comparison chart of provincial and territorial ministries responsible for sport and sport federations

Appendix 2: National Sport Organizations funded under the Sport Support Program in 2024-2025

The following National Sport Organizations received funding under the Sport Support Program in 2024-2025.^{Footnote 2010}

1. Alpine Canada Alpin
2. Athletics Canada
3. Badminton Canada
4. Biathlon Canada
5. Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton
6. Bowls Canada Boulingrin
7. Canada Artistic Swimming
8. Canada Basketball
9. Canada Skateboard
10. Canadian Amateur Boxing Association
11. Canadian Amateur Football Association
12. Canadian Amateur Rowing Association
13. Canadian Amateur Softball Association
14. Canadian Blind Sports Association (Goalball)
15. Canadian Broomball Federation
16. Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sport Association (Boccia)
17. Canadian Curling Association
18. Canadian Cycling Association
19. Canadian DanceSport
20. Canadian Federation of Amateur Baseball
21. Canadian Fencing Federation
22. Canadian Freestyle Ski Association
23. Canadian Gymnastics Federation
24. Canadian Luge Association
25. Canadian Racquetball Association
26. Canadian Rugby Union
27. Canadian Snowboard Federation
28. Canadian Soccer Association
29. Canadian Tennis Association
30. Canadian Tenpin Federation
31. Canadian Volleyball Association
32. Canadian Water Polo Association Inc.
33. Canoe Kayak Canada
34. Climbing Escalade Canada
35. Cricket Canada
36. Diving Plongeon Canada
37. Equestrian Canada
38. Federation of Canadian Archers Inc.
39. Field Hockey Canada
40. Hockey Canada
41. Judo Canada
42. Lacrosse Canada
43. National Karate Association
44. Nordiq Canada
45. Pentathlon Canada
46. Ringette Canada
47. Royal Canadian Golf Association
48. Sail Canada
49. Shooting Federation of Canada Inc.
50. Skate Canada
51. Ski Jumping Canada
52. Ski Mountaineering Competition Canada
53. Speed Skating Canada
54. Squash Canada
55. Swimming Canada
56. Table Tennis Canada Tennis de Table
57. Taekwondo Canada
58. Triathlon Canada
59. Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada
60. Weightlifting Canada
61. Wheelchair Basketball
62. Wheelchair Rugby Canada
63. Wrestling Canada Lutte

Appendix 3: National Multisport Service Organizations funded under the Sport Support Program in 2022-2023

The following National Multisport Service Organizations received funding under the Sport Support Program in 2022-2023.^{Footnote 2011}

1. Aboriginal Sport Circle
2. AthletesCAN
3. Canada Games Council
4. Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports
5. Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association
6. Canadian Deaf Sports Association
7. Canadian Olympic Committee
8. Canadian Paralympic Committee
9. Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
10. Canadian Women and Sport
11. Coaching Association of Canada
12. Commonwealth Games Canada
13. Go, Le Grand Défi inc.
14. KidSport Canada
15. Motivate Canada
16. Own the Podium
17. ParticipACTION
18. Physical and Health Education Canada
19. Special Olympics Canada
20. Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada
21. Sport for Life Society
22. Sport Information Resource Centre
23. U SPORTS

Appendix 4: Recommendations contained in the final report titled “Aiming High: Independent Approaches to Administer the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport in Canada” issued by McLaren Global Sport Solutions Inc. on October 5, 2020

Recommendations for the final development of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)

1. The UCCMS requires the addition of procedures and development of protocols within the time limits set out above; the critical areas for amendment include: (2.2)
   1. Addition of a definition for each of the individuals described in the Sport Canada Contribution Agreement, beyond athletes, to whom jurisdiction will apply;
   2. Scope and purpose of the National Independent Mechanism (NIM);
   3. Procedures of how to activate the Mechanism;
   4. Assessment of the complaints;
   5. Investigation procedures;
   6. Specific obligations of complainants, respondents and third parties, including duties to cooperate with the process, possible duty to attend investigations, duties to produce documents and evidence, etc.;
   7. Evaluation and determination of defined sanctions;
   8. Adjudicative procedures including final and binding arbitration;
   9. Assistance of the sport in accepting the sanction and assisting in its implementation;
   10. Education on the existence and use of the NIM and the UCCMS.
2. Despite the difficulties that might arise, a review and possible development of a definition of “individual affiliated with” a Federally Funded Sport Organisations (FFSO) be standardised according to the definition in the Contribution Agreement to apply across the sport sector. (2.4.1)
3. The NIM to have oversight and responsibility over managing any future amendments to the UCCMS. (2.2)

Recommendations for the Principles to Establish the NIM

4. The NIM must be independent from all sports bodies in order to provide support, comfort, and trust in the system of maltreatment protection. (3.1, 3.2 and 8.3)
5. Acceptance and use of the NIM is voluntary for all sports organisations. Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) and Clubs who choose to join the NIM will be required to align their rules and procedures with their FFSOs and their respective participating provinces or territories. (2.3)
6. The role of the NIM is to guarantee the protection of all sport participants from maltreatment in Canadian sport. The Mission is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all participants in sport – free from harassment, abuse, discrimination and all other forms of maltreatment. (3.2)
7. The core of the NIM is to focus on: (3.2)
   1. Providing confidential paths for disclosure and reporting of maltreatment;
   2. Conducting investigations of allegations of maltreatment reported to the NIM by a covered participant;
   3. Recommending disciplinary and remedial actions in regard to complaints;
   4. Providing legal representation to victims on any adjudication of the sanction. Developing a counsel’s assistance program for the use of complainants and respondents who are not FFSOs and become involved in the adjudicative process.
   5. Directing and researching prevention education for all those connected to the sport sector.
   6. Providing advice, guidance, and support to FFSOs.
   7. Ensuring a system of excellence through compliance and audit functions.
8. The NIM and its staff, assisted by its Visionary Advisors and Think Tanks, provide the leadership to ensure a trusted independent mechanism to prevent and address maltreatment in sport in Canada. (3.2)

Recommendations for NIM Personal Roles and Responsibilities

9. The Chief Operating Person (COP), in place from the outset, will have responsibility during transition and development of the NIM. The COP will provide the overall leadership and stewardship thereafter. (3.7.1)
10. A Director of Investigation to be appointed in the Pilot phase to oversee the development and management of the Preliminary Assessment Team and Internal Investigators. (3.7.2)
11. Chief Legal Officer be appointed in the Pilot phase. (3.7)
12. A Director of Complainant and User Support to be appointed to manage the National Sport Safeguarding Officers (“NSSOs”) and the Complainant Defence Counsel. The Director will also be responsible for liaising with the outsourced portions of the NIM. (3.7.5)
13. A Director of Education to be responsible for directing the content and creation of training and maltreatment prevention content. (3.7.7)
14. Internal Investigators to be appointed as needed. Such persons must have experience conducting trauma informed interviews, gathering, and analysing complex evidence and analytical skills to write a report. (3.7.4)
15. Preliminary Assessment Team to be established and staffed by full time employees responsible for receiving, assessing, and prioritising formal reports about alleged maltreatment. (3.7.3)
16. Two National Sport Safeguarding Officers (NSSOs) to be appointed initially, and others as needed. These individuals will be the primary point of contact for all disclosures. Their responsibilities will include making referrals and assisting with activating and navigating formal complaints processes. They will also be the liaison with the Independent Third Party at the FFSO level. (3.7.6 and 8.3)

Recommendations on Governance Structure and Visionary Advisors

17. Evaluate whether the NIM ought to have its own governance structure or utilise an existing structure of a Canadian not-for-profit organisation. (3.4)
18. The NIM will require the appointment of a group of Visionary Advisors with proven experience in order to fulfill its leadership role. The group’s composition, background and expertise as described (3.10). The Visionary Advisors will provide the thought leadership and advocacy to prevent and address maltreatment in Canadian sport. (3.5)
19. Two key Think Tank working groups to be appointed. One to deal with Education, Prevention, and Research and the other comprised of members of Field of Play (athletes, coaches and referees). (3.5)

Recommendations on Organisational Structure

20. The COP is to develop a flat line organisational structure. This will allow the NIM to focus on the core functions of the mechanism while also maintaining direction over outsourced functions and retaining the ability to conduct research on the same. (3.6)
21. The senior executive team of the NIM to be responsible for the direction and oversight of all outsourced functions of the NIM. (3.8)

Recommendations on Outsourced Functions

22. Outsourced functions should be seamlessly integrated for users of the NIM. The functions should include 24/7 crisis contact services, mental health support services, education and adjudication. All other functions should remain internal to the NIM. (3.8)
23. A partnership with Kids Help Phone be created to provide crisis intervention and referral services for both youth and adults. (3.8.1 & 3.8.2)
24. Mental health support be outsourced to the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport. (3.8.2 and 8.3)
25. Education to be directed and outsourced by the NIM through an RFP process. A national strategy needs to be developed which includes identification of mandatory educational requirements designed for specific stakeholder groups, curriculum design, financial models for training, frequency of education, evaluation processes and tracking and database management. (3.8.3 and 8.4)
26. The NIM should outsource technological platforms and educational delivery programs. (3.8.3 and 3.8.6)
27. Adjudication processes should be outsourced to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (“SDRCC”) providing it is completely independent as a provider of these services. (3.8.5)
28. The outsourced function to the SDRCC may require consideration of an additional, new Maltreatment Tribunal with arbitrators trained in adjudication and dispute resolution processes specific to maltreatment in sport. (3.8.5)

Recommendations on NIM Core Components

29. The investigation function to be housed internally within the NIM. (3.6.2)
30. The Director of Investigation duties will include creating, monitoring, and modifying the disclosure and formal complaint procedures. (3.6.2)
31. The investigative function will comprise: (i) the preliminary assessment; (ii) the full-scale internal investigation; and (iii) referral to and oversight over lower risk FFSOs’ Independent Third Party external investigations. (3.6.2)
32. Preliminary assessment of complaints to be carried out by a specialised team of individuals with appropriate skills, training, and experience in risk assessment. (3.6.2)
33. The NIM will have discretionary authority to investigate all other forms of maltreatment. Lower risk assessments to be referred to the FFSOs’ Independent Third Party. (3.6.2)
34. The NIM will have exclusive authority to investigate sexual maltreatment, grooming, serious physical abuse, and consent with persons over the age of majority. These being high risk incidents. (3.6.2)
35. The NIM to provide access to mental health support to users who either make a disclosure or formal report. (3.6.3 and 8.3)
36. The NSSOs are to be the initial point of contact for confidential or anonymous disclosures. They will determine if the conduct falls within the definitions of maltreatment in the UCCMS. If so, they may activate a formal complaint process or refer to law enforcement or child welfare agencies. (3.6.3)
37. Appoint Complainant Defence Counsel who are to be independent of the NIM and be available for complainants who meet the criteria. (3.8.4)
38. The appointment of a Complainant Defence Counsel would occur upon selection by the Director of Complainant and User Support. (3.8.4)
39. Complainant Defence Counsel would have carriage of providing legal services to the complainant in the adjudication process. (3.8.4)

Dispute Resolution, Remedial Actions and Sanctions

40. The COP is the sole authority for issuing sanctions under the UCCMS. (3.6.4)
41. The FSSOs may be required to support or implement the recommended sanction. (3.6.4)
42. Lower risk breaches of the UCCMS can result in resolution before the commencement of any adjudication process. (3.6.4)

Compliance and System Excellence

43. The NIM has a responsibility to engage in compliance review to ensure the integrity of its operations. The purpose is to provide leadership and information to FFSOs related to NIM requirements and operations and ensure ongoing leadership. The result will be an assurance that FFSOs are compliant with their Contribution Agreements. (3.6.5)
44. The NIM is to file an annual report with Sport Canada to be tabled in the House of Commons which will inform their Report Card evaluation of participating FFSOs. (3.6.5)

Recommendations to Facilitate the Introduction of the NIM

45. FFSOs will have to ensure their participants’ (athletes, coaches, volunteers, medical personnel, etc.) acceptance of the UCCMS through a contractual agreement which may include oversight by the NIM. (4.3)
46. A new provision in the Contribution Agreement may be required to the following effect: Amending Annex A paragraph 5, to add 5.1.4 The Recipient voluntarily accepts the NIM’s oversight of maltreatment under the UCCMS.

Recommendations for the NIM Pilot Phase-In

47. A gradual development of the NIM through a Pilot is recommended in order to: (4.3)
    1. manage capacity as the system develops and grows;
    2. allow for testing and evaluation of the system; and
    3. allow NSOs and their affiliates to first align policies before full operation of the NIM.
48. It is recommended that the NIM be developed in three phases, starting in 2021 with the creation of the core of the NIM and expectation that the NIM be fully launched, nationally, by 2024. Successful implementation may expedite an acceleration of these phases. (4.2)
49. An application and review process to be initiated by the NIM for FFSOs and PTSOs wishing to gain access to the Pilot. Those selected should include FFSOs of different sizes, complexity, and features that will allow the NIM Pilot to evaluate its ongoing development. (4.2)
50. All of the NIM’s described features to be mandatory requirements for all FFSOs participating throughout the Pilot period. (4.2)
51. The NIM will be available to all remaining FFSOs who wish to voluntarily adopt the NIM by 2024 when it is expected to be fully operational. (4.2)

Recommendations for Evolving the NIM

Start-up Phase

52. During the start-up phase, staffing should be modest and limited to the hiring of the following full-time staff: Chief Legal Officer, Director of Education and Research, Director of Investigation, and Business Manager. Technological requirements including website development, and case management tools will be outsourced. (4.3)
53. The NIM will establish outsourced providers in accordance with the suggestions in this Report. (4.3)
54. In the start-up phase it is recommended that existing educational training requirements, provided through the Coaching Association of Canada (“CAC”), Respect Group, or other equivalent national providers continue until such time as the NIM’s oversight of education and training becomes operational. (4.3)
55. The NIM to establish a communication plan as early as possible to communicate to the Canadian public and sport community the values of the UCCMS dealing with maltreatment. This will require Sport Canada, the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC), and possibly McLaren Global Sport Solutions Inc. (MGSS), to work closely with the COP. (4.2)

Pilot Year 1 (2022)

56. It is recommended in Pilot Year 1 there be 12 NSOs selected together with two Provincial Sport Governing Bodies (“PSGBs”): Sport Manitoba and SASK Sport (willing participants). See the IRT’s suggestions at 4.3.
57. The core staff will be augmented by 14 full-time staff to launch Pilot Year 1. The staff will need to include appointments of two NSSOs, a Director of Communications, Senior Investigator, two Preliminary Assessment Officers, Director of Compliance and System Excellence, Director of Complainant and User Support, Complainant Defence Counsel as well as additional full time or contract investigators and intake officer(s) as required. (4.3)
58. To be operational in this phase will require outsourced services. See the discussions at 4.3.

Pilot Year 2 (2023)

59. An additional 20 NSOs to be selected to augment the inaugural complement together with selecting Multi Sport Organisations (MSOs) and Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN) members. (4.4)
60. The inaugural group of participants will remit, for the first time, a user fee on behalf of their registered participants. The group selected for the second year will pay their first-year user fees in 2024. (4.4)
61. In Pilot Year 2, the NIM will provide its first annual report to be filed as recommended above. Furthermore, an independent review of the Pilot is to be conducted in this second year to be delivered to Sport Canada and tabled in the House of Commons. (4.4)

Fully Operational (2024)

62. Remaining organisations wishing to join the NIM may do so in this first fully operational year. This will be the first year where all participants will be required to remit an annual user fee. (4.6)

Recommendations on the Activation and the Resolution Process

Activation of the NIM

63. From the outset, the NIM is to develop an intake process for both disclosure and formal reporting procedures. (3.3.1 and 3.3.2)
64. The available intake process should include access via telephone, text messaging, web portal, webchat, and email. Other accessible formats to be made available for those who are unable to use the foregoing formats. There will be no 24/7 phone line available for intake. (3.3.1, 3.3.2 and 9.2)

Disclosure Process

65. Disclosure should follow a process similar to that of the University of Toronto’s Sexual Assault Policy. Guidelines would include: (3.3.2)
    1. Disclosure is simply sharing your experience of maltreatment. A disclosure does not launch any kind of formal process, and it does not have to include significant or specific detail
    2. The person can disclose to anyone – a friend, colleague. You can also disclose to the NIM.
    3. When you disclose to the NIM, it will make available support and services, and can discuss whether counselling, access or referrals to medical services, and other accommodations may be appropriate. You do not have to make a report to access these services.
    4. A disclosure does not lead to a report unless the person wants it to.
66. The NSSO will be responsible for taking or overseeing action in one of the following ways: (i) listening to the disclosure; (ii) referring the individual to support services or protection agencies such as mental health, child protection, and/or law enforcement; and (iii) assisting the individual in activating the formal reporting mechanism. (3.3.2)

Formal Reporting Process

67. The formal reporting process will be activated through the online web portal, except where issues of accessibility must be addressed. (3.3.3, 8.3 and 9.2)
68. The Preliminary Assessment Team will receive and review complaints. The review will include the determination that the complaint is within the UCCMS and the NIM will process the complaint. (3.3.3)
69. Upon confirmation of jurisdiction, the Preliminary Assessment Team will determine how the complaint should be appropriately resolved. (3.3.3)
70. The NIM to develop the threshold, scope and guidelines for the Preliminary Assessment Team. (3.3.3)
71. The NIM should investigate all conduct defined in the UCCMS that carries a presumptive sanction of permanent ineligibility. (3.3.3)
72. The Director of Investigation will review the determination of the Preliminary Assessment Team and inform the alleged perpetrator that a complaint was filed against him/her if required. (3.3.3)

Investigation Process

73. Upon acceptance of a complaint for processing, the Director of Investigation will appoint an internal investigator. (3.3.4)
74. When the Preliminary Assessment Team directs a complaint to the Independent Third Party of an FFSO, they will be required to submit a final report to an appointed NIM investigator. The NIM appointed investigator to be made available to assist the Independent Third Party, if requested. (3.3.4)
75. A process for the NIM to reassume authority over complaints directed to external investigation to be developed. (3.3.4)
76. Where the NIM reassumes authority over a complaint it is recommended that an internal NIM investigator who did not perform the oversight role be appointed to reduce possible bias. (3.3.4)
77. The investigator to issue a draft report to the parties and request them to review and provide final comment. (3.3.4)
78. The investigator to offer the option of early resolution through alternative dispute resolution should the parties accept the facts as written. (3.3.4)
79. The early resolution function will be part of the adjudication function provided by the outsourced service provider. Early resolution should not be utilised in instances of sexual maltreatment. (3.3.4)
80. The investigator to prepare a final report to determine the facts and whether the alleged conduct occurred. The report may include recommended sanctions. The report to be submitted to the COP who makes the final decision. (3.3.4)
81. The COP may issue a request for further investigation based on need to consider issues, findings of fact, or sanction. (3.3.4)
82. If the recommended sanction is life-time ineligibility, then the COP is to chair a three-person panel to determine the final sanction. (3.3.4)
83. On the occasion where an investigator finds the alleged sexual maltreatment did not occur, the COP should have the discretion to convene an external panel of sexual assault counsellors to review the investigator’s report and determine if certain factors were considered appropriately (known as the Philadelphia Model). (3.3.4)

Sanction Enforcement

84. Upon the communication of a final decision and sanction, implementation of any sanction may require an FFSO to accept and on occasion act in tandem with the NIM to complete enforcement. (3.3.5)

Adjudicating Process

85. Anyone disagreeing with the decision of the NIM, for either procedural or substantive reasons, may apply for adjudication of the matter. (3.3.6)
86. The outsourced adjudication provider may require the development of procedural rules and establishing a Maltreatment Tribunal in order to provide adjudication services to the NIM. Some disputers may require a three-person arbitration panel in appropriate cases. (3.3.6)

Recommendations on Education and Prevention

87. The NIM to oversee the national development of resources and policies focused on prevention and education. It will also endeavour to ensure foundational change in the culture of sport so that it is safe for all participants. (3.2)
88. The Director of Education to direct the content and creation of educational programs. (3.7.7)
89. Prevention and education will require targeted approaches for different stakeholders (such as coaches, other activity leaders, board members, athletes, parents). The Education Think Tank and Director of Education to determine the appropriate outsourced education service providers. (3.6.6)

Recommendations on Funding the NIM

90. Sport Canada to provide seed funding from 2021 through to the launch of the NIM in 2024. The NIM however must be financially sustainable upon being fully operational in 2024 and must not rely exclusively on funding from Sport Canada. (4.2 and 3.10.2)
91. Participation in the NIM will carry with it the requirement to pay a $4.00 participant user fee to support the operations of the NIM. Collection of the fee would commence in Year 2 for a FFSO who participated in the previous year. This proposed funding is intended to limit the financial burden on FFSOs. (4.2)
92. Upon full operation in 2024, or earlier, user fees will be a mandatory for all participants; the federal government cannot and will not be the only contributor to the cost of the operation of the NIM. (4.2)
93. Should provincial or territorial governments decide to join the NIM, the IRT recommends that the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation consult and collaborate with one another on how the provinces and territories can share in a portion of the funding. (3.10.1)
94. A portion of the user fee may be allocated to FFSOs to support their ongoing maltreatment efforts, such as the Independent Third Party. The FFSOs will be required to gather and remit this fee on an annual basis to the NIM. (3.10)
95. A comprehensive pro forma financial model to be developed. This should be informed by participation statistics provided by FFSOs. (3.10)
96. A public foundation, eligible to issue tax receipts, requires examination to determine if it could be a source of funding. Charitable donations and sponsorship as sources of funding should be explored. (3.10.2)
97. Outsource services provided through NIM can be subject to user fees. (3.10.2)
98. Other departments of the federal government, aside from Sport Canada, ought to be explored as sources of funding. (3.10.2)

Recommendations for the Roles and Responsibilities of FFSOs

99. In order to be a proactive participant in changing the culture of maltreatment in sport in Canada, all FFSOs are encouraged to voluntarily participate in the NIM. (3.9)
100. FFSOs joining the NIM have an obligation to inform affiliated individuals that the NIM is available to them for disclosure or reports of maltreatment as defined in the UCCMS.
101. The current requirement for FFSOs to have an Independent Third Party to receive and manage reports of harassment and abuse as outlined in the Contribution Agreement should remain in place for those FFSOs that have joined the NIM. (3.9)

Appendix 5: Detailed summary of the complaint management process under the former Abuse-Free Sport Program

Below is a more detailed summary of the complaint management process under the former Abuse-Free Sport Program:^{Footnote 2012}

• The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner first handled the complaint intake and conducted a preliminary review. This preliminary assessment did not evaluate the complaint’s merits. Its purpose was to confirm the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner had jurisdiction to proceed.^{Footnote 2013}
• Then, the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner could either move the complaint to mediation (with the consent of the parties) or directly to the investigation stage.^{Footnote 2014}
• At any stage during the preliminary review and assessment of the complaint, the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner could recommend that the Director of Sanctions and Outcomes impose provisional measures. The Director of Sanctions and Outcomes was independent and had the full authority to impose sanctions on participants.^{Footnote 2015}
• After the preliminary review and assessment, the complaint proceeded to an investigation. This also happened if a mediation took place but did not result in a settlement. At this stage, the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner would appoint an independent investigator to investigate the complaint.^{Footnote 2016}
• The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner would review the investigation report to ensure it was complete and conducted in accordance with the OSIC Guidelines Regarding Investigation of Complaints. The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner would not review or make an assessment on the findings of the investigator.^{Footnote 2017}
• The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner would give the finalized investigation report to the Director of Sanctions and Outcomes.^{Footnote 2018}
• The Director of Sanctions and Outcomes would give a copy of the investigation report to the parties and give them the opportunity to make submissions on the findings.^{Footnote 2019}
• The Director of Sanctions and Outcomes would review the investigation report and any submission from the parties. The Director would then decide if one or more violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport occurred. If so, they would impose appropriate sanctions.^{Footnote 2020}
• The Director of Sanctions and Outcomes would provide the parties with a written “Report on Violations and Sanctions.” This final report would determine any violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport, explain any sanctions imposed, and include detailed reasons.^{Footnote 2021}
• If the Director of Sanctions and Outcomes imposed a sanction that restricted the respondent’s eligibility to participate in sport, this was included in the Abuse-Free Sport Registry.^{Footnote 2022}
• If a party disagreed with a decision made by the Director of Sanctions and Outcomes, they could challenge the findings of violation and the sanctions imposed. This review would go before the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada's Safeguarding Tribunal.^{Footnote 2023}
• Finally, sanctions reviewed by the Safeguarding Tribunal could be appealed to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada's Appeal Tribunal.^{Footnote 2024}

Appendix 6: List of National Sport Organizations, Multisport Service Organizations and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes that have adopted the Canadian Safe Sport Program

The following organizations have adopted the Canadian Safe Sport Program (as of December 2025).^{Footnote 2025}

National Sport Organizations:

1. Alpine Canada
2. Archery Canada
3. Athletics Canada
4. Badminton Canada
5. Baseball Canada
6. Biathlon Canada
7. Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton
8. Boccia Canada (Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association)
9. Bowls Canada Boulingrin
10. Boxing Canada
11. Broomball Canada
12. Canada Artistic Swimming
13. Canada Basketball
14. Canada DanceSport
15. Canada Powerlifting
16. Canada Skateboard
17. Canada Snowboard
18. Canada Soccer
19. Canadian Blind Sports Association
20. Canadian Fencing Federation
21. Canadian Tenpin Federation
22. Canoe Kayak Canada
23. Climbing Escalade Canada
24. Cricket Canada
25. Curling Canada
26. Cycling Canada Cyclisme
27. Diving Canada Plongeon
28. Equestrian Canada
29. Field Hockey Canada
30. Football Canada
31. Freestyle Canada
32. Golf Canada
33. Gymnastics Canada
34. Handball Canada
35. Hockey Canada
36. Judo Canada
37. Karate Canada
38. Lacrosse Canada
39. Luge Canada
40. Nordiq Canada
41. Pentathlon Canada
42. Racquetball Canada
43. Ringette Canada
44. Rowing Canada Aviron
45. Rugby Canada
46. Sail Canada
47. Shooting Federation of Canada
48. Skate Canada
49. Ski Jumping Canada
50. Ski Mountaineering Competition Canada
51. Softball Canada
52. Speed Skating Canada
53. Squash Canada
54. Swimming Canada
55. Table Tennis Canada
56. Taekwondo Canada
57. Tennis Canada
58. Triathlon Canada
59. Volleyball Canada
60. Water Polo Canada
61. Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada
62. Weightlifting Canada Halterophilie
63. Wheelchair Basketball Canada
64. Wheelchair Rugby Canada
65. Wrestling Canada Lutte

National Multisport Service Organizations:

1. AthletesCAN
2. Canada Games Council
3. Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport
4. Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association
5. Canadian Deaf Sports Association
6. Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute
7. Canadian Olympic Committee
8. Canadian Paralympic Committee
9. Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
10. Canadian Women and Sport
11. Coaching Association of Canada
12. Commonwealth Sport Canada
13. Go le Grand défi
14. Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network
15. KidSport
16. Own the Podium
17. ParticipACTION
18. Physical and Health Education Canada
19. Special Olympics Canada
20. Sport for Life
21. Sport Information Resource Centre
22. U SPORTS

Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes:

1. Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba
2. Canadian Sport Centre Saskatchewan
3. Canadian Sport Institute Alberta
4. Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic
5. Canadian Sport Institute Ontario
6. Canadian Sport Institute Pacific

Appendix 7: List of provincial and territorial complaint mechanisms, including Independent Third-Party Mechanisms

Appendix 8: Table outlining examples of complaints handled by Sport Integrity Australia compared to those managed by Australian sport organizations^{Footnote 2034}

Appendix 9: Comparison table between the former Abuse-Free Sport Program and the Canadian Safe Sport Program

Principal features of the Programs

Main features of the complaint management processes

Appendix 10: Chart comparing different models for a Centralized Sport Entity^{Footnote 2089}

Appendix 11: Chart outlining good governance practices contemplated in the Canadian Sport Governance Code and referenced in other sources

Appendix 12: Primary sources of federal funding for sport and physical activity

Figure A12.1. Sport Canada funding programs

Figure A12.2. Public Health Agency of Canada’s primary funding programs

Figure A12.3. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s primary funding programs

Appendix 13: Sport Canada funding by program since the 2020-2021 fiscal year

The table below provides an overview of Sport Canada funding, by program, since the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

Appendix 14: Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities – Stream 1

The table below shows a breakdown of funding under Stream 1 of Sport Canada’s Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities component, allocated to each province and territory as well as the funding allocated to the Aboriginal Sport Circle.^{Footnote 2217}

Appendix 15: Sport Support Program funding allocated to Provinces and Territories from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025

Appendix 16: List and titles of Future of Sport in Canada Commission employees

Commissioner

• Lise Maisonneuve

Special Advisors

• Noni Classen
• Andrew Pipe

Executive Directors

• Véronique Dériger – Co-Executive Director
• Jean-Stéphen Piché – Co-Executive Director

Legal Counsel

• Nadia Effendi – Senior Legal Counsel
• Karine Fahmy – Legal Counsel
• Chanel Maillet Glas – Legal Counsel

Operations and Implementation Team

• Julie Proulx – Director
• Pascale Ouellette – Senior Research Advisor
• Michelle Rumble – Senior Research Advisor (as she then was)
• Lori Newton – Policy Advisor
• Jennifer Dumoulin – Senior Research Advisor
• Shauna Bookal – Senior Research Advisor
• Éveline Bruck – Research Advisor
• Arielle Vieira – Research Advisor
• Meridith Dales – Research Advisor
• Jane Hayward – Senior Project Manager
• Frédérique Mazerolle – Communications Advisor
• Kate Andrew – Writer
• Guillaume Rondeau – Advisor, Writing and Editing
• Jacqueline Larson – Advisor, Writing and Editing
• Chantal Robillard – Office Manager
• Chelsey McBride – Executive Assistant
• Emmeline Duggan – Health Support Worker
• Alexandra Wiseman – Health Support Worker
• Stephanie Magne – Health Support Worker

Appendix 17: Number of sport organizations the Commission met with

Category of sport organization	Number of sport organizations
Multisport Service Organizations (national, provincial, territorial, and community)	62
National Sport Organizations	66
Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations	39
Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies	11
Community Sport Organizations	40
International Sport Entities	7
Other sport organizationsTable 16 note *	45
TOTAL	270

Table 16 notes

Table 16 note *

Other sport organizations include but are not limited to advocacy groups, school sport and post-secondary sport organizations, and independent third parties.

Return to table 16 note * referrer

Appendix 18: Commission’s online public survey

Screening questions

Q1. Are you 16 years of age or older? (required)

1. Yes
2. No - [Thank and Terminate]

Q2. Do you currently live in Canada or are you a Canadian citizen? (required)

1. Yes
2. No - [Thank and Terminate]

[The following survey questions are only asked to respondents who selected “Yes” in Q1 and in Q2]

The first set of questions is meant to understand your level of participation in sport and physical activity in Canada.

Q3. In the past ten years, have you participated in sport or a recreational physical activity in Canada? (Select all that apply)

Participation includes but is not limited to being an athlete, coach, official, referee, or administrative personnel. It also includes being a parent or guardian of an athlete or someone who provides professional services to a sport organization (such as a lawyer or an accountant).

There are three different types of sport and physical activity:

• Organized sport involves competition between two or more participants, and typically involves coaches and officials, has a regular schedule and is governed by formal rules and procedures (e.g. community soccer program, swim team or athletics club). Organized sport can include both competitive and recreational leagues.
• Non-organized sport are informal games and play, such as pickup basketball, where the players make or can adapt the rules and the activity is not run or officiated by referees, coaches or instructors.
• Recreational physical activities are non-competitive physical activities such as aerobics, Tai Chi, yoga, weight and circuit training, stretching, skating, canoeing, cycling, walking, hiking, jogging, going to the gym, or playing catch.

1. Yes, I have participated in an organized sport - [Move to Q4 if selected]
2. Yes, I have participated in non-organized sport - [Move to Q5b]
3. Yes, I have participated in recreational activity or exercise - [Move to Q5b]
4. I am a spectator or fan of organized sport - [Move to Q5b]
5. None of the above - [Move to Q5b]

[Q4 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q4. In the past ten years, how have you participated in organized sport in Canada?

Select all that apply – I’ve participated as a/an...

1. Athlete
2. Coach / instructor
3. Parent or guardian of an athlete
4. Administrator (including as a board member)
5. Official, referee or umpire
6. Medical support personnel
7. Administrative support personnel within a sport organization
8. External provider of professional services
9. Other (Please specify)

[All move to Q5a]

This survey contains questions about two themes:

1. Improving safe sport in Canada, including trauma-informed approaches to support sport participants in the disclosure of and healing from maltreatment; and
2. Improving the sport system in Canada, including but not limited to improving policy, funding structures, governance, reporting, accountability, conflicts of interest, systems alignment, culture, and legal considerations.

[Q5a asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q5a. You can answer questions related to just one of the themes or both. (required)

1. I would like to answer questions about improving safe sport in Canada. (Approximately 15 minutes) - [Move to Q6]
2. I would like to answer questions about improving the sport system in Canada. (Approximately 10 minutes) - [Move to Q37]
3. I would like to answer questions about improving safe sport and improving the sport system in Canada. (Approximately 25 minutes) - [Move to Q6]

[Q5b asked to respondents who did NOT select “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q5b. You can answer questions related to just one of the themes or both. (required)

1. I would like to answer questions about improving safe sport in Canada. (Approximately 5 minutes) - [Move to Q6]
2. I would like to answer questions about improving the sport system in Canada. (Approximately 5 minutes) - [Move to Q37]
3. I would like to answer questions about improving safe sport and improving the sport system in Canada. (Approximately 10 minutes) - [Move to Q6]

[For the purpose of the logic of this survey, questions that will be asked to organized sport participants AND respondents who answered exclusively other options in Q3 will be referred to as being “asked to everyone”]

Improving Safe Sport

The following questions focus on improving safe sport in Canada, including topics such as complaint mechanisms, safe sport training and prevention.

[Q6 asked to everyone]

Q6. How big of a problem is maltreatment in organized sport in Canada today?

For the purpose of this survey, maltreatment refers to unacceptable and prohibited behaviours in sport. It includes physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, bullying, hazing, and neglect, as well as grooming, crossing appropriate boundaries, and discrimination.

1. Serious problem
2. Moderate problem
3. Minor problem
4. Not a problem at all
5. Don't know

[Q7 asked to everyone]

Q7. The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), launched in 2022, handled complaints of maltreatment at the national level of the Canadian sport system, operating independently under the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC).

Are you familiar with the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC)?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Don’t know

[Q8 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q8. Over the past ten years, have you experienced or witnessed maltreatment in organized Canadian sport?

Select all that apply

1. Yes, I have experienced maltreatment - [Move to Q9 or Q10]
2. Yes, I have witnessed maltreatment - [Move to Q9 or Q10]
3. No - [Move to Q16]
4. Don’t know - [Move to Q16]
5. Prefer not to answer - [Move to Q16]

[Q9 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes, I have experienced maltreatment” AND “Yes, I have witnessed maltreatment” in Q8]

Q9. Thinking only of the most recent incident of maltreatment, did you experience maltreatment personally or witness the maltreatment of others?

1. I experienced maltreatment personally
2. I witnessed the maltreatment of others

[Q10 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes, I have experienced maltreatment” OR “Yes, I have witnessed maltreatment” in Q8]

Q10. Thinking only of the most recent incident of maltreatment you experienced or witnessed, did you make a complaint about the maltreatment?

We recognize that it can be difficult to share your experiences related to complaints of maltreatment. All survey responses will be aggregated.

1. Yes - [Move to Q11]
2. No - [Move to Q15]
3. Prefer not to answer - [Move to Q18]

[Q11 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes, I have experienced maltreatment” OR “Yes, I have witnessed maltreatment” in Q8, AND who selected “Yes” in Q10]

Q11. Thinking only of the most recent incident of maltreatment you experienced or witnessed, to whom did you submit a complaint?

Select all that apply

1. My sport organization’s safe sport or harassment officer
2. A coach
3. A senior athlete (e.g. a team captain)
4. Another staff member in the sport organization
5. A Board member
6. My sport organization's external independent third party mechanism
7. The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC)
8. The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES)
9. Another sport organization
10. Other
11. Don't know
12. Prefer not to answer

[All Move to Q12]

[Q12 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes, I have experienced maltreatment” OR “Yes, I have witnessed maltreatment” in Q8, AND who selected “Yes” in Q10]

This question was asked for each item selected in Q11.

Q12. The complaint process often involves several steps. This may include filing a report, conducting an investigation, making a decision, and issuing sanctions (e.g. a punishment or remedy).

Thinking of your most recent experience, when you made a complaint about maltreatment, were you satisfied with how each of the following handled the complaint process?

1. Yes - [Move to Q18]
2. Partially - [Move to Q13]
3. No - [Move to Q13]
4. Prefer not to answer- [Move to Q18]

[Q13 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes, I have experienced maltreatment” OR “Yes, I have witnessed maltreatment” in Q8, AND who selected “Yes” in Q10, AND who selected “Partially” OR “No” in Q12]

This question was asked for each item selected in Q11 where the respondent answered “partially” or “no” in Q12.

Q13. Thinking of your most recent experience, when you made a complaint about maltreatment, why weren't you satisfied with how each of the following handled the complaint process?

Select all that apply

1. The process was difficult to understand
2. The process took too long
3. I was not kept informed about the status or outcome of my complaint.
4. I did not feel I was treated fairly during the process
5. The sanction (the punishment or remedy) was not enforced
6. Making a complaint did not lead to any meaningful change
7. My complaint was not taken seriously
8. My confidentiality or privacy was not adequately protected
9. I was not offered adequate support (e.g., emotional, legal, or practical assistance) during the process
10. I felt pressured or discouraged from making a complaint
11. The person handling my complaint lacked neutrality or expertise
12. I experienced retaliation after making the complaint (e.g., threats, intimidation, reduced playing time)
13. I experienced other negative consequences (e.g., social exclusion, loss of future opportunities) that were not formal retaliation
14. Other
15. Don't know
16. Prefer not to answer

[Q14 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes, I have experienced maltreatment” OR “Yes, I have witnessed maltreatment” in Q8, AND who selected “Yes” in Q10, AND who selected “Partially” OR “No” in Q12]

Q14. Thinking of your most recent experience with the complaint process, as someone who made a complaint, what aspects or qualities do you feel are currently lacking in the overall process?

Select all that apply

1. Independence (the person receiving the complaint is not involved in the sport organization of the person who committed maltreatment)
2. Clear procedures (the steps in the complaint process are easy to understand)
3. Fairness (the procedures are applied to all parties involved in a complaint in the same way)
4. Transparency (information is shared with all parties involved in a complaint on a regular basis)
5. Timeliness (complaints are processed within a reasonable time frame)
6. Confidentiality (protecting private or sensitive information from being shared without permission)
7. Due process (all parties to a complaint are given an opportunity to explain what happened)
8. Consistent sanctions (there are established standards for sanctions – whether punishment or remedy – based on the severity of the case)
9. Support (services are made available to all parties to a complaint including but not limited to counselling and legal aid)
10. None of the above
11. Don't know
12. Prefer not to answer

[All Move to Q18]

[Q15 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes, I have experienced maltreatment” OR “Yes, I have witnessed maltreatment” in Q8, AND who selected “No” in Q10]

Q15. Thinking only of the most recent incident of maltreatment you experienced or witnessed, why did you not make a complaint about maltreatment?

Select all that apply

1. I shared it with someone else and I thought it was enough
2. I didn't know where to make a complaint
3. I was worried about retaliation and being targeted
4. I didn't want to tell anyone what happened
5. I didn't think it would change anything
6. The person handling the complaint was involved in the maltreatment
7. Other
8. Don’t know
9. Prefer not to answer

[All Move to Q18]

[Q16 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “No” OR “Don’t know” OR “Prefer not to answer” in Q8]

Q16. If you experienced or witnessed maltreatment in organized sport, do you think you would file a complaint?

Select one

1. Yes - [Move to Q18]
2. No - [Move to Q17]
3. Don't know- [Move to Q18]

[Q17 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “No” OR “Don’t know” OR “Prefer not to answer” in Q8, AND who selected “No” in Q16]

Q17. Why do you think you would not file a complaint?

Select all that apply

1. I don't know where to make a complaint
2. I don’t trust the complaint process
3. I’m worried about retaliation and being targeted
4. I wouldn't want to tell anyone what happened
5. I don't think it would change anything
6. Other
7. Don’t know

[All Move to Q18]

[Q18 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q18. Over the past ten years, have you been the subject of a complaint about maltreatment in organized Canadian sport?

The subject of a complaint is the person who a complaint is made about. We recognize that it can be difficult to share your experiences related to complaints of maltreatment. All survey responses will be aggregated.

1. Yes - [Move to Q19]
2. No - [Move to Q23]
3. Don’t know - [Move to Q23]
4. Prefer not to answer - [Move to Q23]

[Q19 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” in Q18]

Q19. Thinking of your most recent experience in the past ten years, when you were the subject of a complaint about maltreatment, who handled the complaint against you?

Select all that apply

1. My sport organization’s safe sport or harassment officer
2. A senior athlete (e.g. team captain)
3. A coach
4. Another staff member in the sport organization
5. A Board member
6. My sport organization's external independent third party mechanism
7. The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC)
8. The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES)
9. Another sport organization
10. Other
11. Don’t know
12. Prefer not to answer

[All Move to Q20]

[Q20 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” in Q18]

This question was asked for each item selected in Q19.

Q20. The complaint process often involves several steps. This may include filing a report, conducting an investigation, making a decision, and issuing sanctions (e.g. a punishment or remedy).

Thinking only of your most recent experience being the subject of a complaint about maltreatment, were you satisfied with how each of the following handled the complaint process?

1. Yes - [Move to Q23]
2. Partially- [Move to Q21]
3. No- [Move to Q21]
4. Don’t know - [Move to Q23]
5. Prefer not to answer- [Move to Q23]

[Q21 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” in Q18, AND who selected “Partially” OR “No” in Q20]

This question was asked for each item selected in Q19 where the respondent answered “partially” or “no” in Q20.

Q21. Thinking only of your most recent experience being the subject of a complaint about maltreatment, why weren't you satisfied with the complaint process?

Select all that apply

1. The process was difficult to understand.
2. The process took too long.
3. I disagreed with the outcome of the process.
4. I felt the complaint was unfounded.
5. I was not kept informed about the status or outcome of the complaint.
6. I did not feel I was treated fairly during the process.
7. The sanction (punishment or remedy) was not appropriate.
8. My confidentiality or privacy was not adequately protected.
9. I was not offered adequate support (e.g., emotional, legal, or practical assistance) during the process.
10. The person handling the complaint lacked neutrality or expertise.
11. I experienced retaliation after being the subject of a complaint (e.g., threats, intimidation, reduced playing time).
12. I experienced other negative consequences (e.g., social exclusion, loss of future opportunities) that were not formal retaliation.
13. Other
14. Don’t know
15. Prefer not to answer

[All Move to Q22]

[Q22 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” in Q18, AND who selected “Partially” OR “No” in Q20]

Q22. Thinking of your most recent experience with the complaint process, as someone that was the subject of a complaint, what aspects or qualities do you feel are currently lacking in the overall process?

Select all that apply

1. Independence (the person receiving the complaint is not involved in the sport organization of the person who committed maltreatment)
2. Clear procedures (the steps in the complaint process are easy to understand)
3. Fairness (the procedures are applied to all parties involved in a complaint in the same way)
4. Transparency (information is shared with all parties involved in a complaint on a regular basis)
5. Timeliness (complaints are processed within a reasonable time frame)
6. Confidentiality (protecting private or sensitive information from being shared without permission)
7. Due process (all parties to a complaint are given an opportunity to explain what happened)
8. Consistent sanctions (there are established standards for sanctions – whether punishment or remedy – based on the severity of the case)
9. Support (services are made available to all parties to a complaint including but not limited to counselling and legal aid)
10. None of the above
11. Don't know
12. Prefer not to answer

[All Move to Q23]

[Q23 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” to Q7]

Q23. The following questions will address how complaints were previously managed under the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), given that the new system under the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), replacing the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) system, is still in its early stages.

As far as you know, was the complaint mechanism administered by the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) effective in addressing complaints about maltreatment?

1. Yes - [Move to Q25]
2. No- [Move to Q24]
3. Don’t know - [Move to Q25]

[Q24 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” to Q7, AND who selected “No” in Q23]

Q24. Generally, from what you are aware, what aspects of the complaint mechanism administered by the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) were lacking?

Select all that apply

1. Independence (the person receiving the complaint is not involved in the sport organization of the person who committed maltreatment)
2. Clear procedures (the steps in the complaint process are easy to understand)
3. Fairness (the procedures are applied to all parties involved in a complaint in the same way)
4. Transparency (information is shared with all parties involved in a complaint on a regular basis)
5. Timeliness (complaints are processed within a reasonable time frame)
6. Confidentiality (protecting private or sensitive information from being shared without permission)
7. Due process (all parties to a complaint are given an opportunity to explain what happened)
8. Consistent sanctions (there are established standards for sanctions – whether punishment or remedy – based on the severity of the case)
9. Support (services are made available to all parties to a complaint including but not limited to counselling and legal aid)
10. None of the above
11. Don't know

[All Move to Q25]

[Q25 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q25. The Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) defines different types of maltreatment and lists behaviours that are prohibited in sport organizations that receive funding from the Government of Canada.

Are you familiar with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)?

1. Yes - [Move to Q26]
2. No - [Move to Q27]
3. Don’t know - [Move to Q27]

[Q26 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” in Q25]

Q26. Which of the following statements about the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) best reflects your opinion?

1. The Code is missing key types of prohibited behaviours.
2. The list of prohibited behaviours under the Code is comprehensive.
3. The Code is too broad and is applied to situations that are not cases of maltreatment in sport.
4. I don’t know enough about the Code.
5. None of the above

[All Move to Q27]

[Q27 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q27. In the Canadian sport system, Independent Third Party mechanisms (ITPs) were established to ensure that safe sport complaints are managed outside of sport organizations.

Do you believe Independent Third-Party mechanisms (ITPs) are effective at addressing complaints about maltreatment?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Don’t know
4. I’m not familiar with Independent Third Party mechanisms (ITPs)

[All Move to Q28]

[Q28 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q28. Do you support the creation of a Canadian registry that is publicly available which identifies individuals who have committed maltreatment in organized sport?

1. Yes - [Move to Q29]
2. No - [Move to Q31]
3. It depends on the situation- [Move to Q29]
4. Don't know- [Move to Q31]

[Q29 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” OR “It depends on the situation” in Q28]

Q29. In your opinion, what would be the most appropriate model for a publicly available Canadian registry that tracks individuals who have committed maltreatment in organized sport?

1. A single national registry for all levels of organized sport across Canada
2. A national registry for high performance sport, along with separate provincial/territorial registries for local clubs and teams
3. Separate registries for each type of individual sport
4. Don't know

[All Move to Q30]

[Q30 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” OR “It depends on the situation” in Q28]

Q30. A Canadian registry related to maltreatment in organized sport that is publicly available could include different types of information. What types of information should be available on the registry?

Select all that apply

1. The name of the person who committed maltreatment
2. The type of maltreatment that occurred
3. The sport(s) the person was involved in
4. The name of the sport organization the person was affiliated with
5. The full text of the decision related to the incident
6. The sanctions imposed (e.g., punishment or remedy)
7. None of the above
8. Don’t know

[All Move to Q31]

[Q31 asked to everyone]

Q31. This next set of questions is intended to assess safe sport training and related needs in Canada.

Safe sport training helps create a sport environment that is respectful, welcoming, and free from maltreatment. It teaches people how to recognize, prevent, and respond to harmful behaviour in sport.

Which of the following groups should be required to complete Safe Sport training in Canada? These groups may include individuals who are paid staff, volunteers, or participants in the sport system.

Select all that apply

1. Children and youth who participate in sport
2. Athletes
3. Coaches
4. Officials and referees
5. Support personnel (e.g. medical professionals, trainers)
6. Sport administrators (e.g. board members, team managers, executives)
7. Parents and guardians
8. Event support staff
9. None of the above
10. Don't know

[All Move to Q32]

[Q32 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q32. How frequently should Safe Sport training be required in Canada?

1. Never
2. Once per year
3. Every 2-3 years
4. Every 4 years or more
5. Only when there are changes to the training
6. Don’t know

[All Move to Q33]

[Q33 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q33. Have you completed Safe Sport training within the past ten years in Canada?

1. Yes- [Move to Q34]
2. No - [Move to Q35]
3. Don't know- [Move to Q35]

[Q34 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” in Q33]

Q34. How effective is current Safe Sport training in helping to create safe sport environments in Canada?

1. Very effective
2. Moderately effective
3. Not very effective
4. Not effective at all
5. Don't know

[All Move to Q35]

[Q35 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q35. Should Safe Sport training be transferable across different levels of sport in Canada (e.g., local, provincial, national)?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Don't know

[Q36 asked to everyone]

Q36. Should there be a national Canadian standard for Safe Sport training across all sports?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Don't know

[All Move to Q37]

Improving the Sport System

The next set of questions will explore ways to improve the sport system in Canada, including but not limited to funding structures, governance, accountability, conflicts of interest, and system alignment.

[Q37 asked to everyone]

Q37. What do you believe are the three (3) most important benefits of participating in organized sport?

1. Personal enjoyment and satisfaction
2. Connecting with others and building friendships
3. Improved physical health
4. Competition
5. Mental health and well-being
6. Community building
7. Skill development (e.g., leadership, teamwork)
8. Inclusion and belonging
9. Career opportunities
10. Crime reduction
11. Economic impact
12. None of the above
13. Don't know

[All Move to Q38]

[Q38 asked to everyone]

Q38. What are the most pressing issues related to participation in organized sport in Canada today?

Select all that apply

1. Distance to sport facilities and infrastructure
2. High financial cost to participation
3. Barriers limiting participation of equity-deserving groups
4. High prevalence of abuse, harassment and other forms of maltreatment
5. Limited access to adaptive sport opportunities for persons with disabilities
6. Lack of inclusive environments that promote belonging and respect
7. None of the above
8. Don't know

[Q39 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q39. How effective is the collaboration among the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors in supporting organized sport in Canada?

For the purpose of the Commission's survey, public sector refers to governments and government-run organizations that provide services to the public. Private sector refers to commercial businesses that aim to make a profit. Not-for-profit sector refers to organizations that serve a social or community purpose and reinvest their earnings into their mission, rather than to make a profit.

1. Very effective
2. Moderately effective
3. Not very effective
4. Not effective at all
5. Don't know

[All Move to Q40]

[Q40 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q40. In your opinion, which sector should be primarily responsible for leading the development of organized sport in Canada?

Select one

1. Public sector (Government and government-run organizations)
2. Private sector
3. Not-for-profit sector
4. Don't know

[Q41 asked to everyone]

Q41. Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with the following statement:

“Governments should play a significant role in funding organized sport in Canada.”

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Neither agree nor disagree
4. Somewhat disagree
5. Strongly disagree
6. Don’t know

[Q42 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q42. What do you think are the three (3) most important funding priorities related to organized sport in Canada?

1. Hosting of major sporting events in Canada (Olympics, Paralympics, and other international events)
2. Safe sport initiatives (e.g. prevention of maltreatment and abuse in sport, complaint mechanisms)
3. Support for high-performance sport
4. Participation in school and community-based sport
5. Coaching and sport leadership development
6. Investments in sport infrastructure
7. None of the above
8. Don't know

[All Move to Q43]

[Q43 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q43. Governments (whether federal, provincial/territorial, or municipal) provide funding to Canadian sport organizations in a variety of ways. Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with the following statement:

“Governments clearly explain how they decide to fund Canadian sport organizations.“

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Neither agree nor disagree
4. Somewhat disagree
5. Strongly disagree
6. Don’t know

[All Move to Q44]

[Q44 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q44. Have you looked for or inquired about the total amount of government funding for organized sport?

1. Yes - [Move to Q45]
2. No- [Move to Q46]
3. Don’t know- [Move to Q46]

[Q44a asked to respondents who selected “Yes” in Q44.]

Q44a. At which level(s) of government did you seek or inquire about the total amount of funding for organized sport?

Select all that apply

1. Federal
2. Provincial/Territorial
3. Municipal
4. Don't know

[Q45 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” in Q44]

This question was asked for each level selected in Q44a.

Q45. Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with the following statement, in relation to each level of government:

"When I looked for or inquired about the total amount of government funding for organized sport, this information was easy to find."

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Neither agree nor disagree
4. Somewhat disagree
5. Strongly disagree
6. Don’t know

[Q46 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q46. The next set of questions is meant to gather your views on the role of national sport organizations in Canada.

National sport organizations are responsible for their sport by:

• managing high-performance programs, national teams, competitions, coaching and officiating;
• supporting the growth and development of their sport; and
• supporting bids for major events.

Do you know which National Sport Organization is responsible for sport or sports you participate in?

1. Yes - [Move to Q47]
2. No- [Move to Q48]
3. Don’t know - [Move to Q48]

[Q47 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3, AND who selected “Yes” in Q46]

Q47. Thinking of the National Sport Organization that you deal with the most, how effective is it in fulfilling its role?

1. Very effective
2. Moderately effective
3. Not very effective
4. Not effective at all
5. Don’t know

[All Move to Q48]

[Q48 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q48. What level of sport organization do you interact with the most?

Select one option

1. Local/community
2. Provincial/territorial
3. National
4. Don’t know

[All Move to Q49]

[Q49 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q49. Are you concerned about potential conflicts of interest in the sport organization that you interact with the most?

For the purpose of this survey, a conflict of interest is defined as a situation, whether real, apparent or perceived, where a person has interests that could influence their decision-making or actions as they fulfill their responsibilities in a sport organization.

1. Yes
2. No
3. Don’t know

[All Move to Q50]

[Q50 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q50. Board of directors are usually composed of volunteers who are elected by the members in their organization.

Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with the following statements related to the board of directors of the sport organization that you deal with the most:

1. Vacancies on my board of directors are clearly communicated within my sport organization.
2. If I want to, I have the opportunity to take part in the recruitment and selection process for my sport organization's board of directors.
3. My board of directors is sufficiently diverse to reflect the community served by my sport organization.
4. The same people have been on the board of directors for a long time.
5. Athletes in my sport organizations have a voice on the board of directors.
   1. Strongly agree
   2. Somewhat agree
   3. Neither agree nor disagree
   4. Somewhat disagree
   5. Strongly disagree
   6. Don’t know

[All Move to Q51]

[Q51 asked to respondents who selected “Yes, I have participated in an organized sport” in Q3]

Q51. How accountable are people in leadership roles within the sport organization you deal with the most?

For the purpose of this survey, accountability refers to the obligation to take responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes, and to be answerable to others.

1. Very accountable
2. Moderately accountable
3. Not very accountable
4. Not accountable at all
5. Don't know

[All Move to Q52]

Demographic Questions

[All Demographic Questions are asked to everyone]

Q52. What age group do you belong to?

1. 15 years or under
2. 16 to 17 years
3. 18 to 24 years
4. 25 to 34 years
5. 35 to 44 years
6. 45 to 54 years
7. 55 to 64 years
8. 65 years or over

Q53. In which province or territory do you currently reside (principal residence)?

1. Alberta
2. British Columbia
3. Manitoba
4. New Brunswick
5. Newfoundland and Labrador
6. Northwest Territories
7. Nova Scotia
8. Nunavut
9. Ontario – except Ottawa
10. Ottawa-Gatineau (National Capital Region)
11. Prince Edward Island
12. Quebec - except Gatineau
13. Saskatchewan
14. Yukon
15. Place of residence outside Canada

Q54. How do you identify your gender?

1. Woman
2. Man
3. Non-Binary
4. Another gender identity (please specify):__________________

Q55. Do you identify as a person living with a disability?

Disability means any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.

1. Yes
2. No

Q56. Do you identify as an Indigenous person?

Select all that apply

1. Yes, First Nations - optional to specify:
2. Yes, Métis - optional to specify:
3. Yes, Inuk (Inuit) - optional to specify:
4. No

Q57. Which ethnic origin(s) do you identify with?

Ethnic origin refers to the ethnic or cultural origins of a person’s ancestors. People who identify with similar ethnic origins (ethnic groups) tend to have a shared understanding of their ancestry or historical past, often with identifiable geographic, cultural, linguistic and/or religious characteristics. The options below are consistent with geographic and ethno-religious examples provided in the 2021 Census.

Select all that apply

1. Southern Africa (for example, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa)
2. Western Africa (for example, Benin, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria)
3. Northern Africa (for example, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco)
4. Eastern Africa (for example, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania)
5. Central Africa (for example, Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon)
6. Africa – not otherwise specified
7. Southern Asia (for example, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka)
8. Western Asia (for example, Bahrain, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates)
9. Eastern Asia (for example, China, Japan, Mongolia, South Korea)
10. South-eastern Asia (for example, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Viet Nam)
11. Central Asia (for example, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan)
12. Asia – not otherwise specified
13. Southern Europe (for example, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia)
14. Western Europe (for example, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland)
15. Northern Europe (for example, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, United Kingdom)
16. Eastern Europe (for example, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine)
17. Europe – not otherwise specified
18. South America (for example, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Venezuela)
19. North America (for example, Canada, the United States)
20. Central America (for example, Belize, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua)
21. Caribbean (for example, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica. Trinidad and Tobago)
22. South America, Central America, or Caribbean – not otherwise specified*
23. North America – not otherwise specified
24. Oceania (for example, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Polynesia)
25. Oceania – not otherwise specified
26. Christian
27. Hindu
28. Jewish
29. Mennonite
30. Muslim
31. Sikh
32. Another identity (optional to specify):

Q58. Which racial group do you identify with?

Race is a term used to classify people into groups based principally on physical traits such as skin colour. Racial categories are not based on science or biology but on differences society has created, with significant consequences for people’s lives. Racial categories may vary over time and place and can overlap with ethnic, cultural or religious groupings.

Select all that apply

1. Black
2. East/Southeast Asian
3. Latino/Latina/Latinx
4. Middle Eastern
5. South Asian
6. White
7. Another racial group (Please specify):

Q59. What language do you speak most often at home?

Select all that apply

1. English
2. French
3. Indigenous Language (Please specify):
4. Other (Please specify):

Q60. Do you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit, intersex, and/or non-binary?

1. Yes
2. I identify as part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, but I use different terms and concepts to refer to my sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression (e.g. pansexual or gender diverse).
3. No

[Thank and Terminate]

Appendix 19: Demographic results of the Commission’s online public survey respondents

Age distribution

The age group that was most heavily represented was between the ages of 45 to 64 years old (32.6%). The next largest group was between 35 to 44 years old (24.2%).

Geographic distribution

Respondents were primarily from two provinces: Ontario (excluding the National Capital Region) and British Columbia, which together represented 42% of the responses (27.6% and 14.4%, respectively). Alberta and Quebec (excluding Gatineau) each accounted for 12.6% of respondents respectively.

Gender

A majority of respondents identified as women (54.5%); men made up 44.9%. Nonbinary and other gender identities accounted for less than 1% of the total.

Person living with disability

8.8% of respondents identified as a person living with a disability. A vast majority of respondents (91.2%) did not identify as a person living with a disability.

Indigenous

A small percentage of respondents identified as Indigenous (5.2%). Among this group, 2.5% identified as First Nations, 2.5% as Métis, and 0.2% as Inuit.

Ethnic origin^{Footnote 2223}

The most common ethnic origin selected by respondents was North America, which accounted for a significant 52.0%. This was followed by Northen Europe, with 24.6%, as well as Christian (12.2%) and Western Europe (11.8%).

Racialized groups^{Footnote 2224}

An overwhelming majority of respondents identified as White, at 92.8%. The other racial groups, including Black, East/Southeast Asian, Latino/Latina/Latinx, Middle Eastern, and South Asian each represented less than 3% of the total respondents.

Language spoken at home

Most respondents (87.8%) reported speaking English most often at home. French was spoken at home most often by 18.3% of respondents. All other languages, including Indigenous languages, were spoken by a small percentage of participants.

2SLGBTQI+ identity

A small percentage of respondents (5.7%) identified as part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The vast majority (93.4%) did not identify with this community. A small portion of respondents (0.8%) indicated they identify as part of the community but use different terms or expressions.

Appendix 20: List of the Commission’s Calls to Action

The Commission calls for the following actions to be taken:

Indigenous people and sport

1. The Government of Canada continue the work to fulfill its commitment in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 87 to 91 relevant to sport included below:

“87. We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal Peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.

88. We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel.

89. We call upon the federal government to amend the Physical Activity and Sport Act to support reconciliation by ensuring that policies to promote physical activity as a fundamental element of health and well-being, reduce barriers to sports participation, increase the pursuit of excellence in sport, and build capacity in the Canadian sport system, are inclusive of Aboriginal Peoples.

90. We call upon the federal government to ensure that national sports policies, programs, and initiatives are inclusive of Aboriginal Peoples, including, but not limited to, establishing:

1. In collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, stable funding for, and access to, community sports programs that reflect the diverse cultures and traditional sporting activities of Aboriginal Peoples.
2. An elite athlete development program for Aboriginal athletes.
3. Programs for coaches, trainers, and sports officials that are culturally relevant for Aboriginal Peoples.
4. Anti-racism awareness and training programs.

91. We call upon the officials and host countries of international sporting events such as the Olympics, Pan Am, and Commonwealth games to ensure that Indigenous Peoples’ territorial protocols are respected, and local Indigenous communities are engaged in all aspects of planning and participating in such events.”

2. All levels of government respect the principle of Indigenous self-determination in their decision-making process as it relates to Indigenous people in sport, meaning that such decisions should be made by Indigenous Peoples and for Indigenous Peoples.
3. All levels of government take proactive steps to engage with Indigenous people and ensure they meaningfully participate in decision-making processes related to all aspects of sport, including but not limited to, policies, programming, funding allocation, and governance, so that the Canadian sport system is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives, knowledge and cultures. They must also encourage other sport participants within their jurisdiction to do so by meaningfully engaging with Indigenous people to ensure their voices are present and heard.
4. The Government of Canada in implementing the Calls to Action in this report must ensure they are inclusive of Indigenous perspectives.

Reducing financial barriers

5. The Government of Canada, with the provinces and territories, explore all possible fiscal, program, and administrative mechanisms to address barriers and increase participation by Canadians in sport and physical activity. This could include possible tax exemptions on sport equipment and a subsidy program for Canadian youth.

Improving sport infrastructure and programs

6. The Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, develop a national sport infrastructure strategy. The strategy should include cooperative mechanisms to monitor and evaluate sport infrastructure needs and contemplate improving access to existing facilities, particularly schools, to facilitate sport participation.
7. The Government of Canada increase the funding it allocates to the development and revitalization of sport infrastructure.
8. The Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, create a dedicated sport infrastructure program.
9. The Government of Canada require that a percentage of the funding it provides to the provinces and territories for the development of infrastructure be dedicated to the development and revitalization of sport infrastructure.

Improving equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in sport

10. The Government of Canada, in collaboration with the provincial and territorial governments, and equity-deserving groups, create a national strategy on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in sport and physical activity. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.
11. The Government of Canada, in collaboration with equity-deserving groups, create and implement mandatory standards on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility for federally funded sport organizations. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.
12. The Government of Canada, in collaboration with equity-deserving groups, continue to support and expand initiatives to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in sport and physical activity, including initiatives that seek to remove barriers and increase participation in sport and physical activity. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.

Improving the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport

13. The Government of Canada maintain the adoption of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport as a condition of federal funding for NationalSport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations, and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes.
14. The Government of Canada designate, until the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 is established, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport as the custodian of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport. The Centre will be responsible for reviewing the Code and ensuring that it remains current, comprehensive, and responsive to the needs of Canadians, and that it reflects best practices in addressing maltreatment. The Centre shall also consider the Global Policy Standards for Inclusive, Equitable and Safe Sport and Physical Education once they have been endorsed by UNESCO Member States.
15. The Government of Canada ensure that safeguards are in place to maintain a clear separation between the policy development and adjudication roles of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
16. The Government of Canada transfer the custody and responsibility for revising the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.
17. The Government of Canada ensure that the custodian of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport undertakes a comprehensive review of the Code every second year.

Harmonizing safe sport across the sport system

18. The Government of Canada mandate, as a condition of federal funding for National Sport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations, and Canadian Sport Centres and institutes, that they adopt a safe sport policy or code of conduct that includes safe sport standards consistent with those contained in the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport.

Aligning enforcement of safe sport standards across the sport system

Phase I: Roadmap to implementing harmonized safe sport programs

The National Safe Sport Program

19. The Government of Canada maintain the adoption of the Canadian Safe Sport Program as a condition of federal funding for National Sport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes.
20. The Government of Canada maintain the mandate it has given the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport to independently administer and enforce, through the Canadian Safe Sport Program, the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport for federally funded National Sport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations, and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes, by receiving and responding to reports of prohibited behaviour and carrying out policy activities.
21. The Government of Canada increase federal funding to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport to allow it to carry out Sport Environment Assessments, as contemplated in the Canadian Safe Sport Program Rules.
22. The Government of Canada maintain consistent and sustained funding to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport to enable the continued operation of the Canadian Safe Sport Program.
23. The Government of Canada maintain consistent and sustained funding to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada to ensure that (i) reviews of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport’s decisions to the Safeguarding Tribunal and (ii) appeals of the Safeguarding Tribunal’s decisions arising from the Canadian Safe Sport Program to the Appeal Tribunal be offered free-of-charge for all parties involved in the report process.

Provincial and Territorial Safe Sport Programs

24. In the short term, the Government of Canada actively collaborate with provincial and territorial governments and support them in developing and implementing comprehensive and harmonized Safe Sport Programs to respond to maltreatment at all levels of the Canadian sport system, by:
    1. Developing, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, a Multilateral Sport Framework. The Framework shall set the foundation for long-term government collaboration and additional federal investments in provincial and territorial Safe Sport Programs and shall include:
       1. an agreed-upon set of criteria that provincial and territorial governments shall meet to qualify for federal investments. The Commission strongly encourages governments to consider the criteria pertaining to universal safe sport standards, an independent safe sport authority, and information sharing, universal screening policy and universal governance standards, as outlined in Chapter 10
       2. an agreed-upon set of objectives
       3. the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide provincial and territorial governments with federal funding that builds upon existing provincial and territorial investments in Safe Sport Programs
       4. provincial and territorial governments’ commitment to use the federal funding to support the development and enhancement of their Safe Sport Program tailored to their local needs and contexts while aligning with the Multilateral Sport Framework’s criteria and objectives.
    2. Amending the Physical Activity and Sport Act to:
       1. acknowledge and support the Multilateral Sport Framework developed by the Government of Canada with provinces and territories
       2. reinforce the Government of Canada’s long-term commitment to safe sport
       3. define the federal vision and principles for a coordinated approach to strengthening the response to maltreatment in sport
       4. affirm the Government of Canada’s commitment to sustained and ongoing funding in support of provinces’ and territories’ Safe Sport Programs
       5. enhance accountability and transparency by ensuring reports to Parliament.
    3. Negotiating, with each provincial and territorial government, a bilateral funding agreement reflecting the specific conditions upon which federal funding shall be allocated toward the province or territory’s Safe Sport Program. Each bilateral funding agreement shall include:
       1. an action plan that will demonstrate how the provincial or territorial government intends to use federal investments to meet the Multilateral Sport Framework’s criteria and objectives in a way that responds to their unique circumstances (such as demographic factors, existing safe sport complaint mechanisms, specific populations)
       2. an obligation for the provincial or territorial government to report annually on progress made in relation to the Multilateral Sport Framework and the impact of federal funding, while reflecting the priorities of each jurisdiction.
25. The Government of Canada, once provinces and territories have implemented the agreed-upon criteria under the Multilateral Sport Framework, require, as a condition of federal funding for National Sport Organizations, that they amend their membership rules to ensure their members, namely Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations, adopt and comply with the universal safe sport standards established by their respective provincial or territorial governments. We strongly believe that these standards must be consistent with those contained in the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport.

Phase II: Roadmap to implementing a unified Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Program

26. In the long term, the Government of Canada actively collaborate with provincial and territorial governments to develop a single Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Program, by:
    1. entering into an agreement with provincial and territorial governments to develop a Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Program
    2. collaborating with provincial and territorial governments to adopt complementary federal, provincial, and territorial safe sport legislation
    3. collaborating with provincial and territorial governments to consolidate national, provincial, and territorial safe sport authorities into a single Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Authority with provincial and territorial bodies serving as registry offices in each participating jurisdiction
    4. collaborating with provincial and territorial governments to empower the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Authority to administer federal, provincial, and territorial safe sport legislation
    5. collaborating with provincial and territorial governments to create a council of ministers composed of the ministers responsible for sport in each provincial and territorial participating jurisdiction and the federal minister responsible for sport which will oversee the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Authority
    6. funding, jointly with participating provincial and territorial governments, the operations of the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Authority.

Key features of resolution processes

27. The Government of Canada encourage provincial and territorial governments and sport organizations to ensure that resolution processes of safe sport authorities and Independent Third-Party Mechanisms incorporate the following features:
    1. Clarity and simplicity. They must be designed to minimize confusion, reduce procedural barriers, and ensure that individuals understand their rights, responsibilities, and the steps involved throughout the process.
    2. Timeliness and efficiency. They must include clear timelines for each step of the process and accountability measures to ensure prompt and efficient resolution of reports.
    3. Procedural fairness. They must incorporate principles of procedural fairness, including impartiality, the right to be heard, adequate disclosure, and procedural safeguards for both complainants and respondents throughout all steps of the process.
    4. Proportionality. They must provide a variety of resolution methods as alternatives to a formal investigation and decision process to ensure that resolutions are proportionate to the nature of the allegations.
    5. Restorative practices. They must incorporate restorative practices that promote reconciliation, repair, and reassurance for the complainant, the respondent, and the sport community. However, they must not override the importance of safety, voluntariness, and the right to pursue the formal process.
    6. Indigenous practices. They must incorporate and respect the legal traditions and cultural practices of Indigenous Peoples.
    7. Sanction enforceability. They must provide for monitoring and accountability measures to ensure that sport organizations properly enforce sanctions.

Key features of safe sport authorities and Independent Third-Party Mechanisms

28. The Government of Canada encourage provincial and territorial governments and sport organizations to ensure that safe sport authorities and Independent Third-Party Mechanisms incorporate the following features:
    1. Trauma-informed practices. They must be adapted to individuals who have experienced harm. All correspondence and interactions with individuals interacting with the program and all steps of the reporting process shall be undertaken with sensitivity, respect, and support to prevent re-traumatization.
    2. Transparency. They must be transparent and provide consistent communication with all parties involved in the report process.
    3. Support. They must provide appropriate support and assistance to help individuals navigate the various steps of the process. This includes case managers or navigators who act as intermediaries between the parties and the investigator or adjudicator, and who can answer procedural questions or concerns.
    4. Expertise. They must include adjudicators and investigators with expertise in trauma-informed practices and procedural fairness, as well as in the subject area relevant to the report (such as physical, psychological, sexual maltreatment, neglect, discrimination, or harassment).
    5. Legal aid resources. They must provide access to legal aid resources for all parties involved. Both complainants and respondents must have equitable access to legal advice or representation to help them understand their rights and effectively participate in the process.

Launching a public awareness campaign

29. The Government of Canada lead the launch of a national public awareness campaign by:
    1. developing, in collaboration with subject-matter experts, a national public awareness campaign to inform the Canadian public about (a) safe sport practices, including core values in sport, best practices and good behaviours to foster safe sport environments and (b) the various forms of maltreatment and other prohibited behaviours in sport
    2. collaborating with provinces and territories to ensure consistent delivery of the national public awareness campaign while also taking into account each province and territory’s unique circumstances
    3. contracting a National Multisport Service Organization to launch and deliver the national public awareness campaign
    4. collaborating with National Sport Organizations to help amplify messaging and disseminate information through their national platforms, programs, and networks.

Developing a Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program

30. The Government of Canada lead the development and delivery of a Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program by:
    1. taking a leadership role and engaging with provincial and territorial governments to jointly develop, in collaboration with subject-matter experts, a single, comprehensive, interactive, and efficient Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program for all participants involved in Canadian sport.
    2. contracting a National Multisport Service Organization, supervised by Sport Canada, to implement, update, and deliver the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program. These responsibilities shall be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.
31. The Government of Canada transfer to the same National Multisport Service Organization, and to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established, the educational component of the mandate that Sport Canada currently assigned to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport as part of the Canadian Safe Sport Program. This component pertains to the development and maintenance of e-learning courses and other educational resources aimed at educating participants and stakeholders on the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport and promoting safe sport environments for all participants. The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport may retain this component of its mandate until the National Multisport Service Organization delivers the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program.
32. The Government of Canada keep the mandate it has given to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport to design, develop, and maintain e-learning courses and other educational resources on the Canadian Safe Sport Program, its rules, and its report process.
33. The Government of Canada work to deliver the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program to the broadest possible range of sport participants by:
    1. mandating that all sport organizations receiving federal funding deliver the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program to all individuals involved in, affiliated with, or registered with their organization.
    2. encouraging provincial and territorial governments to mandate that all sport organizations receiving provincial or territorial funding deliver the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program to all individuals involved in, affiliated with, or registered with their organization.
    3. making the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program accessible to any sport organization, including unfunded national, provincial, territorial, and local-level organizations, wishing to deliver the program to individuals involved in, affiliated with, or registered with their organization on a voluntary basis.
    4. funding and providing the resources for developing and delivering the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program to sport organizations receiving federal, provincial, and territorial funding, and any other sport organizations wishing to avail themselves of the program on a voluntary basis.

Reinstating the True Sport Program

34. The Government of Canada contract a National Multisport Service Organization to advance the mission and expand the reach of the True Sport Program across the Canadian sport system. Custody of the True Sport Program should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.

Bystander training and duties to report child abuse and maltreatment in sport

35. The Government of Canada include bystander training, including education on the legal and contractual duties to report child abuse and maltreatment in sport, as part of the public awareness campaign and the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program to be developed under the leadership of the Government of Canada in response to Calls to Action 29 and 30.

Universal standard for background screening

36. The Government of Canada develop a National Background Screening Policy in collaboration with subject-matter experts. The policy shall include, as a mandatory screening tool, a verification against the Pan-Canadian Registry of Sanctioned Individuals, which will be implemented in response to our Calls to Action 41 to 45. Custody and responsibility to review and oversee the National Background Screening Policy shall be assigned to a National Multisport Service Organization under the supervision of Sport Canada. These responsibilities shall be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.
37. The Government of Canada mandate that all sport organizations receiving federal funding adopt and implement the National Background Screening Policy and increase core funding to subsidize the costs of implementing the National Background Screening Policy.
38. The Government of Canada encourage provincial and territorial governments to develop a “Universal Screening Policy” as an additional eligibility criterion for provincial and territorial Safe Sport Programs to qualify for federal funding under the Multilateral Sport Framework (as outlined in Chapter 10).

Collecting evidence to ground prevention efforts

39. The Government of Canada establish a comprehensive national tool to regularly collect and analyze data on key indicators that measure and assess the health and safety of sport environments in Canada. Safe sport reports and their outcomes must be included in the data collected.
40. The Government of Canada collaborate with provincial and territorial governments to consolidate data collected by provinces, territories, or their centralized complaint mechanisms or safe sport authorities.

Implementing a Pan-Canadian Registry of Sanctioned Individuals

41. In the short term, the Government of Canada assume a leadership role by working collaboratively with provincial and territorial governments to establish, implement, and sustain a Pan-Canadian Registry of Sanctioned Individuals in Sport. This initiative could be developed and governed through the Multilateral Sport Framework (as outlined in Chapter 10).
42. The Government of Canada assign to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport the mandate to collaborate with existing provincial and territorial centralized complaint mechanisms—and, as they are established, provincial and territorial safe sport authorities under the Multilateral Sport Framework—to collect and consolidate relevant information on sanctions that restrict an individual’s eligibility to participate in sport.
43. The Government of Canada direct the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport to make the necessary modifications to the Canadian Safe Sport Program Public Registry to transform it into a comprehensive Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Registry.
44. The Government of Canada direct the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport to publish on the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Registry all sanctions restricting an individual’s eligibility to participate in sport that are issued by the Centre, provincial and territorial centralized complaint mechanisms, and, as they are established, provincial and territorial safe sport authorities as required by the Multilateral Sport Framework (as outlined in Chapter 10).
45. In the long term, the Government of Canada work closely with provincial and territorial governments to mandate the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Authority to oversee and maintain the Pan-Canadian Public Registry of Sanctioned Individuals in Sport.

Designated safeguarding officers for all sport organizations

46. The Government of Canada mandate that all sport organizations receiving federal funding designate a safeguarding officer. The officer’s responsibility shall be to safeguard athletes’ safety and well-being within the sport organization’s activities. Safeguarding officers shall be independent from the team environment and the sport organization’s performance structures.
47. The Government of Canada encourage provincial and territorial governments to implement the requirement for safeguarding officers (Call to Action 46) with respect to provincially and territorially funded sport organizations.

The need for strong and effective government leadership

48. The Government of Canada ensure that a single federal minister is responsible for sport and physical activity (as was the case for the period from August 16, 2023, to March 14, 2025), and subsequently ensure that this minister is supported by a single federal department responsible for both sport and physical activity.
49. The Government of Canada make the necessary legislative amendments to ensure that a single federal minister responsible for sport and physical activity is supported by a single federal department, to promote long-lasting structural changes.

The need for enhanced intergovernmental collaboration grounded in accountability

50. The Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, enhance the rigour of intergovernmental collaboration to improve safe sport in Canada and the sport system, and advance sport and physical activity for all Canadians. Concrete actions could include the following:
    1. increasing the frequency of the Ministers Conferences
    2. promoting cross-sectoral collaboration
    3. taking concrete measures to increase the transparency and public accountability of intergovernmental collaboration.

The need for federal sport and physical activity policy upkeep and implementation

51. The Government of Canada review its sport-related policies and commit to regularly reviewing sport and physical activity policies and strategies to reflect current realities, emerging challenges, and best practices. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity once it is established.
52. The Government of Canada, in collaboration with the Disability sport community at the national, provincial, and territorial levels, develop a national Disability sport strategy to promote access to sport for persons with disabilities, which includes Para sport and Paralympic sport. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity once it is established.
53. The Government of Canada develop a national strategy to promote participation in sport and physical activity at all levels, encompassing broad sport participation and high-performance sport. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity once it is established.
54. The Government of Canada develop and implement action plans and institute programs to support all its sport and physical activity policies and strategies. Each action plan should clearly define the policy’s objectives, set measurable targets, and outline specific actions to be taken by the Government of Canada. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity once it is established.
55. The Government of Canada, to promote transparency and accountability, regularly and publicly report on the implementation and results of federal sport and physical activity policies and programs. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity once it is established.
56. The Government of Canada establish a comprehensive national tool to regularly collect and analyze data on key indicators of sport and physical activity, including participation.
57. The Government of Canada allocate continued funding for Indigenous-led research specific to Indigenous people and sport in Canada.

The need for a centralized, coordinated, and unified approach to sport and physical activity in Canada and on the Centralized Sport Entity

58. The Government of Canada create a Crown Corporation (the “Centralized Sport Entity”), established by enabling legislation in which it provides the entity a broad mandate to encourage, promote, and develop sport and physical activity in Canada consistent with the objectives of the Physical Activity and Sport Act.
59. The Government of Canada adopt a phased approach to operationalize the Centralized Sport Entity starting with the implementation of functions related to the sport objectives of the Physical Activity and Sport Act followed by those related to the physical activity objectives set out in that same Act.

Establishing shared services models among sport organizations

60. The Government of Canada encourage National Sport Organizations to establish and implement a horizontal shared services model, by means of positive incentives such as additional one-time funding or other additional benefits. This model would allow for the centralization of common services among sport organizations, such as information technology (IT) support, human resources, legal services, translation services, travel services, insurance provision, and a shared foreign exchange strategy.
61. The Government of Canada encourage National Sport Organizations to establish and implement a vertical shared services model with their respective Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations and, where possible, Community Sport Organizations. To achieve this, the Government would use positive incentives such as additional one-time funding or other additional benefits. This model would allow for the centralization of common services among these organizations, such as information technology (IT) support, human resources, legal services, translation services, travel services, insurance provision, and a shared foreign exchange strategy.
62. The Government of Canada collaborate with provincial and territorial governments to encourage their respective Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations to consider a shared services model.
63. The Government of Canada create a strategic transformation fund to support National Sport Organizations as they establish and implement a horizontal and/or vertical shared services model.

Amalgamating sport organizations

64. The Government of Canada encourage horizontal amalgamation of National Sport Organizations through positive incentives, such as additional one-time funding and/or other additional benefits such as access to administrative support and/or consulting services.
65. The Government of Canada encourage vertical amalgamation of National Sport Organizations with their respective Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations, to form a single national organization for each sport, with provincial and territorial branches. To achieve this, the Government would use positive incentives such as additional one-time funding and/or other additional benefits such as access to administrative support and/or consulting services.
66. The Government of Canada, collaborate with provincial and territorial governments to encourage their respective Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations to consider amalgamation.
67. The Government of Canada create a strategic transformation fund to support National Sport Organizations as they undertake the amalgamation process (horizontal and/or vertical amalgamation).

Ensuring consistent application of policies across the sport system

68. The Government of Canada encourage National Sport Organizations to ensure broad consistency in the application of their policies across all levels of their sport until the Multilateral Sport Framework criteria are established and imposed (as described in Chapter 10).
69. The Government of Canada encourage National Sport Organizations to collaborate with its Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations to explore ways to ensure the application of their policies by organizations and entities that are currently not connected to a National or Provincial or Territorial Sport Organizations.

Mandatory sport governance standards

70. The Government of Canada shall mandate that all federally funded sport organizations adopt and comply with the Canadian Sport Governance Code and its future iterations. This will require revisions to the Canadian Sport Governance Code, which is currently tailored to National Sport Organizations.
71. The Government of Canada shall provide a reasonable transition period to allow federally funded sport organizations to comply with the Canadian Sport Governance Code without affecting their funding. This transition period shall not apply to the governance requirements that are currently mandatory under the Sport Support Program for National Sport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations, and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes.
72. The Government of Canada shall provide support, including funding, to federally funded sport organizations to comply with the Canadian Sport Governance Code. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.
73. The Government of Canada shall be the custodian of the Canadian Sport Governance Code and shall be responsible, in collaboration with governance experts, for its regular review to ensure it remains current and reflects evolving governance best practices. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.

Regular review of governance standards and enhanced standards

74. The Government of Canada shall, in collaboration with governance experts, conduct a review the Canadian Sport Governance Code to ensure it reflects evolving good governance practices.
75. The Government of Canada, as part of its Canadian Sport Governance Code review process, shall amend the Code to expand its application to National Sport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations, and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes and add the following mandatory practices:

Board composition

1. Diversity must be included as a board member selection criterion. Diversity includes individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQI+, and individuals with a disability.
2. The board of directors must include an athlete representative, qualified to do so under the law, to serve as a director with full voting rights. In the context of a sport organization where a Disability sport is integrated or an organization that delivers services to athletes with disabilities, athletes with disabilities should be represented.

Training

3. All board members must receive regular training on inclusion and anti-racism.
4. All board members must receive regular training on preventing and addressing maltreatment in sport based on the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport. As outlined in Chapter 11, the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program, which would fall within the function of the Centralized Sport Entity once established, would address this requirement.

Transparency

5. Sport organizations must publicly post the following on their website:
   1. minutes of all board meetings
   2. an annual disclosure of all public funds received, along with an accounting of their use
   3. an annual report describing the organization’s activity and progress.

These documents would be added to other documents that the Canadian Sport Governance Code requires sport organizations to publicly post on their website. This includes articles of incorporation or continuance, bylaws, annual financial statements, minutes of members’ meetings, board mandate, all committees’ terms of reference, and an annual report on diversity.

Sport governance oversight

76. The Government of Canada in collaboration with governance experts shall develop and implement an oversight mechanism dedicated to sport governance. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.
77. The Government of Canada, using the developed oversight mechanism dedicated to sport governance, shall conduct regular audits of federally funded sport organizations to ensure their implementation of and compliance with the Canadian Sport Governance Code. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.

A harmonized approach to governance standards

Phase I: The Multilateral Sport Framework – Good governance standards

78. The Government of Canada, as part of the first phase to implementing a harmonized approach to sport governance standard at all levels of sport, shall:
    1. Encourage provincial and territorial governments to include universal governance standards as part of the agreed-upon set of criteria that provincial and territorial Safe Sport Programs shall meet to qualify for federal investments under the Multilateral Sport Framework (as described in Chapter 10). We strongly believe that these standards must be consistent with those contained in the Canadian Sport Governance Code.
    2. Require National Sport Organizations receiving federal funding to change their membership rules to require that their members adopt and comply with the good governance standards or sport governance code required by their provincial or territorial government, once provinces and territories have implemented the agreed-upon criteria under the Multilateral Sport Framework.

Phase II: A Pan-Canadian Sport Governance Code

79. The Government of Canada, as part of the second phase to implementing a harmonized approach to sport governance standards at all levels of sport, shall collaborate with provincial and territorial governments to develop and implement a Pan-Canadian Sport Governance Code at all levels of sport.

Investing in the sport system

80. The Government of Canada, following a reasonable grace period, require all National Sport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations, and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes receiving federal core funding to conduct operational efficiency reviews to assess their existing practices and identify opportunities for further efficiency. This includes establishing shared services and pursuing amalgamation, as outlined in Chapter 13.
81. The Government of Canada urgently increase the core funding allocated to National Sport Organizations to account for inflation since 2005. Thereafter, it must regularly review and adjust the funding allocated to National Sport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations, and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes under the Sport Support Program. The funding needs to be adequate to support core operational requirements and address long-term priorities, including improving safe sport.
82. The Government of Canada allocate additional funding to specifically support National Disability sport, Para sport, and Paralympic sport organizations.
83. The Government of Canada, as a condition of funding, require all federally funded National Sport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations, and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes to:
    1. adopt the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport as outlined in Chapter 10
    2. adopt a safe sport policy or code of conduct that includes safe sport standards consistent with those contained in the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport as outlined in Chapter 10
    3. adopt the Canadian Safe Sport Program as outlined in Chapter 10
    4. provide the Pan-Canadian Safe Sport Education Program as outlined in Chapter 11
    5. adopt and implement the Universal Background Screening Policy as outlined in Chapter 11
    6. designate a safeguarding officer as outlined in Chapter 11
    7. adopt and comply with the Canadian Sport Governance Code as outlined in Chapter 14.
84. The Government of Canada increase and review the funding it allocates to federal programs designed to support community-level sport and broad sport participation. This may include increased funding for the Community Sport for All Initiative component of the Sport Support Program.
85. The Government of Canada collaborate with the provinces and territories to increase and regularly review the funding they provide to promote broad sport participation and support community-level sport initiatives and include “supporting broad sport participation and physical activity” as a criterion under the Multilateral Sport Framework (as described in Chapter 10).
86. The Government of Canada increase and regularly review the funding it allocates to federal programs designed to support the Indigenous sport system and its athletes. This may include increased funding for the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities component of the Sport Support Program.
87. The Government of Canada collaborate with the provinces and territories to increase and regularly review the funding allocated to support the Indigenous sport system and athletes.
88. The Government of Canada increase and regularly review the funding allocated to the Athletes Assistance Program to account for inflation and the increased cost of living.

Diversifying funding for sport and physical activity

89. The Government of Canada explore and consider additional sources of government revenue to ensure it has sustainable means to invest in sport and physical activity, including but not limited to, supporting federally funded sport organizations. These sources of revenue to be explored could include, but are not limited to, tax revenues from sport betting and tax revenues from professional sports.
90. All sport organizations, including National Sport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations, and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes, explore and diversify their sources of revenue, pursue a shared services model and collaborative opportunities to generate revenues, and examine processes and practices to ensure enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.

Centralizing federal funding for sport and physical activity

91. The Centralized Sport Entity as outlined in Chapter 12, once it is established, be responsible for receiving, allocating, distributing, and overseeing all federal sport and physical activity funding. Such responsibilities would include, but are not limited to:
    1. developing a comprehensive long-term funding strategy
    2. developing funding-support criteria
    3. making funding decisions
    4. distributing funds to sport and physical activity organizations
    5. developing and monitoring a compliance and auditing regime to ensure effective use of funds.

Improving the application process

92. The Government of Canada ensure that processes guiding funding applications and the procedures supporting the receipt of federal grants and contributions are clear, efficient, and accessible. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.

Enhancing the monitoring and auditing of sport organizations

93. The Government of Canada regularly and proactively monitor and audit federally funded sport and physical activity organizations, and ensure that the monitoring and auditing procedures are effective, simple, and accessible. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.

Developing a new funding strategy for sport and physical activity

94. The Government of Canada develop a comprehensive multi-year and evidence-based funding strategy focused on safety, equity, access, and inclusion to govern the allocation of public funds to all federally funded sport and physical activity organizations. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.
95. The Government of Canada rigorously review the eligibility and evaluation criteria used to grant funds to National Sport Organizations under the Sport Support Program to align with the new funding strategy. Among other criteria, consideration should be given to criteria that take into account:
    1. safety, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
    2. good governance
    3. levels of participation and the reach of programs across the country
    4. degree of integration of disciplines, policies and programs across the country
    5. degree of stewardship of the growth and development of the sport across the country
    6. presence of development pathways for athletes from the community-level to the national-level
    7. national team performance and athlete well-being.
96. The Government of Canada continue to make multi-year core funding available to National Sport Organizations, National Multisport Service Organizations, and Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes. This role should be transferred to the Centralized Sport Entity outlined in Chapter 12 once it is established.

Independent monitor

97. The Government of Canada appoint an independent monitor, mandated to oversee the implementation of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s Calls to Action. The independent monitor shall provide quarterly updates to the minister responsible for sport and physical activity and publish annual public reports.

Federal-provincial/territorial mechanism

98. The Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, create a structured federal–provincial/territorial mechanism within the Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council to support the implementation of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s Calls to Action.