Chapter 7: Barriers to sport and physical activity in Canada

Sport and physical activity are fundamental to Canadian society and catalysts for improving mental and physical health, fostering personal growth and development, and promoting social inclusion — to name just a few of their benefits. Unfortunately, many Canadians face barriers that prevent them from participating in and benefitting from sport and physical activities.

Throughout the Commission’s engagement activities, we consistently heard and read about the persisting barriers that limit participation in sport and physical activity in Canada, relegating many to the sidelines. These well-known barriers include the rising cost of participation, insufficient sport facilities throughout the country, and a lack of suitable programs. These concerns were repeatedly expressed across a broad range of age groups, backgrounds, and communities, highlighting the systemic nature of these challenges within the Canadian sport system.

While sport can be a powerful equalizer — building bridges and bringing communities together — access to sport in Canada is anything but equal.

Equity-deserving groups such as women and girls, persons with disabilities, racialized people, newcomers, those who identify as 2SLGBTQI+,^{Footnote 647} and Indigenous people continue to face additional barriers to participation, namely the lack of culturally safe environments, and ongoing systemic and individual discrimination.

Despite previous commitments from all levels of government to make all levels of sport barrier free and accessible,^{Footnote 648} Canada has yet to meaningfully address these barriers.

We heard strong calls for change. Canadians believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, culture, Indigeneity, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.

This chapter focuses on the barriers that prevent countless individuals from participating in an activity that could positively transform their lives. We begin with an examination of physical activity and sport participation trends in Canada. We find that a significant proportion of the Canadian population, including children and youth, are not meeting the recommended amount of physical activity to promote health and well-being.

This is followed by an overview of common barriers to participation, namely financial barriers and the lack of facilities and programs. We also examine the challenges that influence under-represented groups’ participation in sport.

In this chapter, we present our Calls to Action to improve the accessibility of sport and physical activity in Canada.

Missing the goal: low participation trends in sport and physical activity

While the federal, provincial, and territorial governments promote sport and physical activity in Canada, broad sport participation continues to elude us. Recent data reveals that the rates of sport and physical activity participation are below desired levels for adults, children, and youth. Equity-deserving groups continue to be significantly under-represented in sport and physical activity programs.

Participation among the Canadian population

As Statistics Canada has documented, only about half (46%) of Canadian adults met the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week from 2022 to 2024.^{Footnote 649} Statistics Canada’s 2023 Survey Series on People and their Communities identified that:

Only approximately 55% of people aged 15 years or older reported participating in organized sport.^{Footnote 650}
Men participate at a higher rate than women (62% compared to 49%).^{Footnote 651}
Just over 80% of respondents who participated in sport did so recreationally, outside of a club or league, sometimes in combination with more structured recreational programs, such as group fitness, intramural sports, or sport clubs.^{Footnote 652}
The most common motivations for Canadians participating in sport are physical health and fitness, fun, recreation and relaxation, mental health, and time with friends.^{Footnote 653}

In contrast, the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute’s Physical Activity and Sport Survey found lower participation rates in 2024. They noted that just 27% of Canadian adults 18 years and older participate in organized sport, including structured sport activities with a focus on competition, rules, and skill development.^{Footnote 654} The lower rate reported by this survey reflects a specific focus on organized sport participation compared to the broader definition of sport used by Statistics Canada.

In general, sport participation rates decline with age and are lower among girls and women. Only a small portion of Canadian adults participate in sport. Only 18% of men aged 65 and older reported participating in sport, compared to 28% of men aged 45 to 64.^{Footnote 655} The trend is even more pronounced among women, with only 9% of those aged 65 and older participating, compared to 13% in the 45 to 64 age group.^{Footnote 656}

Many children and youth are not participating in any sport. In a report from the Aspen Institute examining the governance of 12 leading sport systems, including Germany, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, Canada ranked behind these other countries in sport participation among youth.^{Footnote 657} Based on an average 57% of children and youth who participate in organized sport programs (as reported by ParticipACTION in the 2022 Report Card), Canada received the grade of C+ in youth sport participation.^{Footnote 658}

The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute’s 2025 Physical Activity Monitor Parent Survey reported that 72% of children and youth aged 5 to 17 reported participating in sport in 2025, with boys participating at a slightly higher rate than girls.^{Footnote 659} There were variances in the regularity and frequency of reported sport participation, with some youth only participating 1 to 5 months per year (24% of boys and 23% of girls) and others participating 12 months out of the year (37% of boys and 35% of girls).^{Footnote 660}

Perhaps more concerning is the data documenting depressingly low levels of physical activity in Canada’s school-aged children. While the percentage of adults (46%) and children aged 5 to 11 years (52%) who met the recommended physical activity levels from 2022 to 2024 remained relatively unchanged since the period of 2018 to 2019, a recent Statistics Canada report found that there was a decline in physical activity among teenagers.^{Footnote 661} From 2022 to 2024, only 21% of youth aged 12 to 17 across Canada met the recommended physical activity level, compared to 36% from 2018 to 2019.^{Footnote 662} Four out of five teenagers are not getting enough physical activity. Experts expressed concerns, noting that this pattern is likely to persist, as physical activity is increasingly being overshadowed by preoccupations with screens and social media.^{Footnote 663}

According to the same Statistics Canada report, disparities in physical activity participation rates between girls and boys persist. Only 8% of girls aged 12 to 17 met the physical activity recommendations from 2022 to 2024, compared to 33% for boys in the same age group.^{Footnote 664} Data with respect to children in the lowest income households from 2024 reveals that 46% of children 5 to 11 years old met the physical activity recommendations, compared to 57% of children in the highest-income households.^{Footnote 665}

Participation among equity-deserving groups

Several reports highlight the notably lower sport participation rates among equity-deserving groups in Canada, who represent a significant proportion of the population. Unfair treatment, racism and discrimination are more prevalent among the racialized population, Indigenous people, persons who identify as having a disability, and people who are 2SLGBTQ+, among others.^{Footnote 666} The disparities in access, opportunity, and engagement that individuals from diverse backgrounds experience underscore the need for more inclusive systems and practices within the Canadian sport system.

Women and girls

In 2021, women and girls accounted for just over half of the population (approximately 50.6%) with approximately 18.4 million women and girls in private households in Canada.^{Footnote 667} They are less active than men and boys at every stage of life. On average, women aged 15 and older have lower sport participation rates than men in the same age range, with 49% percent of women reporting participating in sport compared to 62% of men.^{Footnote 668} Women are also under-represented in senior staff roles, decision-making and leadership positions, and as board members in sport organizations in Canada.^{Footnote 669}

The disparity is less pronounced for children with 73% of girls aged 5 to 11 reporting participating in sport compared to 77% of boys in the same age range.^{Footnote 670} The disparity becomes more pronounced for youth aged 12 to 17, with 74% of boys participating in sport compared to 64% of girls.^{Footnote 671} Girls access almost all forms of sport and physical activity at lower rates than boys.^{Footnote 672} And when girls do participate, they drop out sooner.

According to the 2024 Rally Report published by Canadian Women and Sport, the rate at which girls drop out of sport increases at age 16 and accelerates through their teens. More than one in five leave sport during this time. Young women are much more likely to miss out on the benefits of continued sport involvement.^{Footnote 673} Male participation remains consistent through their late teens and into their twenties, resulting in a sizable participation gap between men and women.

Persons with disabilities

A 2024 survey found that persons with disabilities reported lower participation in sport (21%) than adults without a disability (30%).^{Footnote 674} Statistics Canada reported in 2025 that individuals who identified as a person with a disability were more likely to experience unfair treatment, racism or discrimination in community sport (9%), compared to others (6%).^{Footnote 675}

According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, 27% of the Canadian population aged 15 years and older have one or more disabilities.^{Footnote 676}

Racialized people and new Canadians

Self-identified visible minorities in Canada reported participating in sport at a slightly lower rate than the rest of the Canadian population (25.2% versus 26.7%).^{Footnote 677} According to a 2025 Statistics Canada report, the racialized population, however, was three times as likely to report experiencing unfair treatment, racism or discrimination in community sports compared to the non-racialized population (12% in comparison to 4%).^{Footnote 678} A report from Statistics Canada indicates that in 2021, one in four people in Canada were from a racialized population (26.5%).^{Footnote 679}

Overall, immigrants and new citizens are less likely to participate in organized sport than those born in Canada.^{Footnote 680} In 2021, 23% of the population was or had been landed immigrants or permanent residents.^{Footnote 681} From 2022 to 2023, close to 98% of the population growth in Canada came from international migration.^{Footnote 682}

Non-cisgender, 2SLGBTQI+

Research reveals that non-cisgender youth and those reporting non-heterosexual attraction tended to participate less in organized sports than their counterparts.^{Footnote 683} According to a 2025 Statistics Canada report, 2SLGBTQ+ people were four times as likely to experience unfair treatment in community sport (21%), compared to others (5%).^{Footnote 684}

Between 2019 and 2021, approximately 4.4% of the Canadian population aged 15 years and older reported being 2SLGBTQ+.^{Footnote 685}

Indigenous people

Indigenous sport participants are under-represented at all levels of sport in Canada.^{Footnote 686} Limited data makes it difficult to accurately determine sport participation rates among Indigenous people in Canada, particularly for adults. Most reports provide only broad statistics for Indigenous populations without distinguishing between First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

The 2022 Rally Report by Canadian Women and Sport indicates that 30% of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis girls aged 13 to 18 years old participated in sport at least weekly, compared to 52% of “White girls.”^{Footnote 687}

Findings on participation in sport and physical activity

These participation trends reveal significant gaps in access and engagement across different groups notwithstanding the importance of sport and physical activity for Canadians. Participation in sport remains a serious area of weakness despite continuing recommendations that it be meaningfully addressed. As the new Canadian Sport Policy 2025–2035 noted, while both the 2002 and the 2021 Canadian Sport Policy aimed to increase participation in sport, neither succeeded.^{Footnote 688}

During the 2025 Conference of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation, the attending ministers acknowledged the importance of promoting physical activity across the country to support Canadians’ mental health. They agreed on the need to increase the rates of physical activity given all the social, health, and economic benefits that active lifestyles promote.^{Footnote 689}

To ensure meaningful progress, the Commission is of the view that coordinated and sustained commitments are needed to translate these priorities into tangible outcomes and to achieve meaningful progress. It is crucial to address the barriers that limit access to sport and physical activity and prevent optimal participation for many Canadians.

Sport is a core pillar of Canadian society. For the benefits of sport to be fully realized and to nourish and promote our Canadian identity, investments and attention are needed to address the barriers to sport opportunities at every level.

The following sections examine the multifaceted barriers that prevent countless Canadians from benefitting from sport and physical activity.

Financial barriers to sport and physical activity

To be accessible, sport needs to be affordable. The costs associated with sport, including the cost of registration, equipment, and travel, are among the most significant barriers to sport participation in Canada.

As Statistics Canada reported in 2023, only approximately 55% of people aged 15 and older reported participating in organized sport.^{Footnote 690} According to the same report, 11% of people who did not participate in sport reported the cost of participating as a barrier.^{Footnote 691} Racialized groups were more likely than non-racialized Canadians to cite the cost of participating as a barrier.^{Footnote 692} As for youth, the 2025 Jumpstart State of Play Youth Sport in Canada report indicates that the primary reasons why youth chose not to play sports is because sports are too expensive.^{Footnote 693}

Socioeconomic status distinctly affects rates of sport participations. Indigenous people, single women, members of immigrant families, and Canadians with lower income and education levels are disproportionately affected by financial barriers.^{Footnote 694} According to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute’s 2025 Physical Activity Monitor Parent Survey, 74% of children and youth from households with an income of more than $60,000 per year participated in sport, compared to 63% of children and youth from households with an income of less than $60,000 per year.^{Footnote 695} Similarly, the ParticipACTION 2025 Adult Report Card identified that adults earning higher incomes were more likely to report participation in sport than those earning lower incomes (32% compared to 22%).^{Footnote 696}

While Canadians face increasing financial pressure, the costs of sport participation are also increasing. The privatization of sport organizations, linked to the expansion of the “pay-to-play” model, further accentuates cost pressures.^{Footnote 697}

For many Canadian families and athletes, participating in sport is now unaffordable. The 2023 Jumpstart State of Sport Report indicates that 58% of parents reported that recreational fees were on the rise, representing an increase from 17% in December 2021.^{Footnote 698} The same report notes that 44% of parents said that they cannot afford to register their children in organized sport.^{Footnote 699} The 2025 Jumpstart State of Youth Sport report notes that 32% of parents indicated stress about affordability.^{Footnote 700} To manage the cost of sport and provide access to their children, Jumpstart’s Cost and Barriers to Sports Participation Study indicates that nearly six in ten parents use at least one cost-management strategies, such reducing spending in other areas, using credit or loans, or taking extra work.^{Footnote 701}

Inequitable access to sport has negative impacts on children. Parents reported signs of their children being less physically fit, and experiencing feelings of loss, resentment, and anxiety from reduced participation.^{Footnote 702}

High transportation costs are a potential barrier to sport participation, including for high-performance athletes. This is particularly the case in northern and remote communities.

Efforts to reduce financials barriers

To address financial barriers, governments and sport organizations have put in place various initiatives that target both community-level and high-performance sport. As Chapter 15 on funding discusses in further detail, the federal government supports community-sport initiatives for under-represented groups through the Community Sport for All Initiative, a component of the Sport Support Program.^{Footnote 703}

In order to minimize financial barriers, organizations such as KidSport Canada and its local chapters provide financial assistance to pay for registration fees and equipment for youth.^{Footnote 704} Some Community Sport Organizations also endeavour to offer low or no-cost sport programming. Still, affordability remains a significant barrier to participation across income, race, gender, ability, and geography.^{Footnote 705}

Some provincial and territorial governments have implemented tax credits to provide relief for the costs associated with participation. The federal government used to offer the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. This non-refundable tax credit allowed individuals to claim eligible fitness expenses.^{Footnote 706} The Children’s Fitness Tax Credit was eliminated for the 2017 and subsequent taxation years, given evidence of significant shortcomings in terms of its effectiveness, fairness, and efficiency.^{Footnote 707} Some provinces and territories continue to provide similar tax credits.^{Footnote 708}

High-performance athletes’ costs

High-performance athletes often face significant financial barriers that can limit their ability to train and compete at elite levels. They include high costs of training, travel, equipment, and coaching.^{Footnote 709} A survey conducted in 2023 by Leger Marketing for the Department of Canadian Heritage revealed that the principal obstacle to high-performance sport in Canada is financial. Indeed, 72% of national-level high-performance athletes surveyed indicated cost as a barrier to participation.^{Footnote 710}

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments provide financial assistance to high-performance athletes. As we discuss in Chapter 15, the federal government provides financial assistance to national-level high-performance athletes through the Athlete Assistance Program.^{Footnote 711} We consistently heard, however, that funding allocated through this program is insufficient.

Recent media reports indicate that high-performance athletes who compete for Canada often need to resort to crowdfunding and donations to compete internationally, support their athletic careers, and meet their basic needs.^{Footnote 712} This applies to high-performance athletes who receive support from Sport Canada through the Athletes Assistance Program and those who do not. Financial barriers to participation for high-performance athletes persist.

Participants’ perspectives on financial barriers

The results of the public online survey conducted by the Commission supported the significance of financial barriers. Respondents who answered questions about improving the sport system in Canada were asked to indicate what they considered to be the most pressing issues impeding participation in organized sport in Canada. Multiple responses were possible. Two issues stood out from the rest. An overwhelming majority of respondents (89.0%) selected high financial costs to participate. This was identified as the most pressing issue by respondents across every demographic group in the Commission’s survey.

The distance to sport facilities and infrastructure was the second most-selected issue in the Commission’s survey, selected by 55.9% of respondents. A greater proportion of racialized respondents (61.3%) and those residing in the Atlantic (60.7%) selected this response.

Participants in our engagement activities told us that organized sport is already too expensive for many Canadians, and the costs continue to rise. More people and families need financial support to participate in sport. In the past, athletes from low-income backgrounds often reached the Olympics and professional sport on the basis of public programs. Substantial family resources and costly private training are typically necessary to achieve the same level of success today. In many cases, participation in sport at all levels is limited to those who can afford it.

Sport is becoming more exclusive and less accessible.

We learned that financial barriers are particularly significant for Disability sport organizations and athletes with disabilities given the high costs associated with equipment, the cost of support attendants, and the economic pressures faced by those with disabilities in general.

Overall, the increasing cost of sport participation was attributed by many to rising fees, equipment costs, and transportation costs. We were advised that the escalating registration and membership fees and other costs are being downloaded onto sport participants in the absence of new revenue sources for sport organizations. This reality exists at all levels of sport, from the grassroots to the elite. Such increases impact the affordability and accessibility of sport programs. The privatization of sport further contributes to the unaffordability of sport programs. Financial barriers were identified as significant challenges by provincial and territorial governments.

Participants noted that certain popular sports such as skating and hockey have higher participation costs and are increasingly generally restricted to the affluent.^{Footnote 713} Hockey has particularly high equipment costs. To make skating and hockey more accessible, some have suggested that arenas could have equipment available for all. However, there have been no substantial investments in this regard. Others have suggested direct subsidies to provide financial assistance to families.

Transportation was identified as a significant barrier to sport participation in northern communities, where sport organizations and athletes encounter high costs associated with travel. These costs make it difficult for children to participate in sport beyond their immediate communities. Similar challenges also exist in remote areas across Canada, especially where transit is not available.

While recognizing that many barriers to participation exist, many supported widening opportunities for participation in sport. Participants in our engagement activities agreed that more needs to be done to improve sport’s affordability. They emphasized the need for continued investments in sport to promote accessible and affordable sport programming at every level. Financial subsidies for low-income populations can be effective in increasing sport participation. Others emphasized that support programs like those offered by KidSport and the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities must be encouraged.

Call to Action: reducing financial barriers

Sport and physical activity in Canada are not accessible to all those who wish to participate. Canada continues to fall short on its aspirations to eliminate barriers to participation and to make sport and physical activity accessible for all.

The cost of participating in sport remains one of the most significant obstacles for athletes of all levels. Transportation costs are particularly prohibitive for northern and Indigenous communities. Despite ongoing efforts from governments and sport organizations to assist with lowering the cost of participation, sport in Canada is becoming more exclusive. This concerning trend runs contrary to Canadian values and the desire to ensure that sport is accessible and inclusive. More needs to be done to improve sport’s affordability, particularly for equity-deserving groups who are disproportionality affected by financial barriers.

An unreasonable emphasis on competitive sport for children and youth, and early sport specialization have contributed to the growth of private and expensive sport programs, further reducing the affordability of sport.

To address the growing financial barriers to sport participation, the Commission is of the view that the federal government must continue to support broad participation and excellence in sport.

Some participants suggested that funding should be allocated to subsidize the cost of sport participation for participants of all ages, noting that the only way to provide assistance is to subsidize the activities themselves, as opposed to providing a tax credit. The federal Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, for example, was shown to have limited, to no impact, in promoting physical activity among Canadian children, particularly those experiencing low income, and was subsequently discontinued.^{Footnote 714} Some argued that because of inflation and the cost of living, the availability of support should be broadened beyond low-income families.

Participants affirmed that the federal government should continue to fund the Community Sport for All Initiative and other funding initiatives that support community-level participation and inclusion. We heard clear expression of the pressing need to increase the Athletes Assistance Program, which supports high-performance athletes, and the urgency of addressing the funding crisis facing many National Sport Organizations.

The Commission’s full Calls to Action on funding the sport system can be found in Chapter 15.

Call to Action

The Commission calls for the following action to be taken:

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.

Lack of adequate sport facilities and programs

Most sport facilities in Canada — including gyms, pools, and arenas — are publicly owned, built and maintained by municipalities and regional school boards.^{Footnote 715} According to a Statistics Canada’s survey, municipalities owned 99% of the 78,717 publicly owned culture, recreation, and sports facilities in Canada in 2018.^{Footnote 716} In 2020, local, regional, provincial and territorial governments in Canada provided 5,060 aquatic facilities, 7,569 ice facilities as well as other indoor and outdoor sports fields.^{Footnote 717}

Such facilities including community centres and multi-purpose facilities are crucial to the delivery of sport and physical activity programs for all Canadians. More specialized Olympic and Paralympic installations and training facilities are equally important to support high-performance athletes as they train and compete at the highest levels.

Shortage of high-quality sport and recreation facilities

Canada does not have enough sport and recreation facilities. Their availability and accessibility are additional shortcomings. A lack of pool facilities, for example, explains why there are at least 8,000 people on waitlists for swim programs in Vancouver alone.^{Footnote 718} In regions lacking infrastructure, residents frequently travel long distances to reach sport facilities,^{Footnote 719} which is both time-consuming and costly.

New sport and recreation facilities are needed across the country, especially in Indigenous communities. Facilities meeting the high technical standards for high-performance athletes in the pursuit of excellence are scarce.^{Footnote 720} According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute in 2020–2021, additional or new indoor facilities were the most pressing infrastructure needs reported by almost one half of the sport organizations in Canada.^{Footnote 721}

Canada’s sport facilities are aging. Many existing indoor sport and recreation facilities need significant repairs and maintenance, and others require updates to make them more accessible for people with disabilities.^{Footnote 722} A 2019 report examining public infrastructure across Canada found that 30 to 35% of culture, recreation, and sport facilities were only in fair condition or worse. A large proportion of facilities were more than 50 years old.^{Footnote 723}

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association maintains a comprehensive inventory of sport, recreational, and parks infrastructure in the country.^{Footnote 724} The inventory describes the nature and state of facilities across Canada, including location, size, amenities, and age. It provides a common and open data repository for adding, managing, and accessing relevant information on infrastructure.^{Footnote 725} As of 2025, 400 organizations had joined the infrastructure database, adding information from more than 10,000 community sport and recreation facilities and sites.^{Footnote 726}

During their 2025 Ministers Conference, the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for sport, physical activity and recreation discussed the importance of sport and recreation facilities and the challenges associated with their deteriorating state in every region. Ministers asked officials to continue discussions of the importance of sport infrastructure and opportunities to collaborate on solutions to address these challenges.^{Footnote 727}

Funding for sport infrastructure

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as many municipalities, invest in sport and recreation infrastructure. Such investments involve the direct contribution of funds for the development, construction, repair or maintenance of sport facilities, and the purchase of necessary equipment.^{Footnote 728} The federal government provides funding for sport infrastructure through a variety of programs such as the Canada Community Building Fund and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (both under Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada).

The Canada Community Building Fund is a transfer-based program that delivers over $2.4 billion to communities across Canada annually. Funds are transferred from the federal government to the provinces and territories who, in turn, redistribute the funding to their communities. It is important to note that “sport” is one of the categories of eligible projects.^{Footnote 729}
The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is an additional mechanism that the federal government employs to deliver funding to communities. Such funding is delivered through bilateral agreements with provinces and territories. The program’s Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure stream allows the federal government to invest in projects that support upgrades to recreational facilities, like arenas and both indoor and outdoor recreational spaces. This program uses a cost-sharing model — the federal government contributes up to a specified percentage of costs depending on the type of project.^{Footnote 730}

Other programs at the federal level provide funding for sport infrastructure, including programs administered by Indigenous Services Canada.^{Footnote 731} Funding for sport and recreation infrastructure is discussed in further detail in Chapter 15.

Lack of adequate sport programs

As Chapter 5 describes, various sport organizations and other institutions like schools, municipalities, for-profit private organizations, and not-for-profit community-based organizations deliver sport programming.

The availability of sport programs is influenced by various factors, including financial resources and the availability of suitable facilities. Because sport organizations are also facing significant financial difficulties, some have had to reduce their program offerings. In different regions, a lack of accessible or culturally appropriate programming can also impact the accessibility of sport.

Participants’ perspectives on the lack of facilities and programs

The Commission heard that there is a critical shortage of adequate, safe, and accessible sport infrastructure across Canada. This was reiterated on countless occasions during our engagement activities by sport participants, sport organizations, and representatives and officials from federal, provincial and territorial governments. The lack of available and adequate sport facilities prevents the delivery of accessible and safe sport programming at every level of sport.

We learned of grassroots organizations who could not find available facilities due to insufficient infrastructure. We were told that some athletes were required to relocate between provinces to advance in their sport. Some National Sport Organizations have also had to relocate their national teams abroad in response to the lack of appropriate training facilities within Canada.

Participants shared serious concerns regarding the insufficiency of sport facilities in every region of the country.

Participants’ perspectives on the shortage of facilities and aging facilities

We were consistently advised that there are not enough facilities to ensure that all who want to play can play. Population growth has added additional needs for the expansion and renewal of sport infrastructure. Representatives of Community, Provincial, Territorial, and National Sport Organizations told us of the significant challenges they encountered in securing physical spaces to run their programs. We were told that in some cases, the only available time slots were very late at night, which was not always appropriate or safe. There was also a serious lack of facilities in many remote and Indigenous communities, particularly within the territories.

Sport infrastructure, including legacy facilities from hosting the Commonwealth, Olympic, and Paralympic Games, is aging and needs to be upgraded for continued use. Some of the dated sport facilities are not accessible to athletes with disabilities and do not have gender-inclusive washrooms. For instance, there have been many requests for financial support to refurbish the Calgary sliding track and the Olympic speedskating oval, but these calls remain unanswered. Others emphasized that many ice facilities are in poor shape and need to be repaired or replaced.

We consistently heard of the urgent need for investment in sport and recreation Infrastructure throughout the country. Various suggestions were shared with the Commission on ways to upgrade existing facilities and build the necessary infrastructure to increase sport’s accessibility.

In their 2025 Fall Budget submission, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association recommended that the federal government create a $100 million per year federal program to revitalize Canada’s aging recreation and parks infrastructure. They noted that such an approach would “promote public health, strengthen climate resilience, serve equity-deserving communities, and foster national unity by investing in community-driven spaces where Canadians connect, belong, and thrive.”^{Footnote 732}

Other suggestions include the creation of an open infrastructure fund with a dedicated stream for sport and recreation, like the Build Canada Program. Others proposed that funding for infrastructure should be tied to immigration. Participants also suggested that the federal government should collaborate with its provincial and territorial counterparts to develop a national strategy on sport facilities investment and development. It was emphasized that new facilities should be designed and constructed for multiple uses and as appropriate, multiple sports. We were reminded that well-designed facilities can support both community-based programming and high-performance sport.

The important role of major multisport games such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games in infrastructure development was noted by many. Participants emphasized that hosting strategies for such competitions should include dedicated infrastructure planning and funding that emphasize the creation and endowment of legacy facilities to support both high-performance and community sports. We note that the Federal Policy for Hosting International Sport events dates from 2008.^{Footnote 733}

Participants’ perspectives on access to existing facilities

In addition to new sport facilities, participants told us that the accessibility of existing facilities must be improved. During our engagement process, we often heard about the challenges people face in accessing existing municipal and school facilities. Some participants told us that there were no incentives for municipalities to grant access to their facilities for grassroots sport organizations. Others questioned the high fees municipalities charged for organizations to use their infrastructure.

As Chapter 5 noted, participants emphasized the importance of partnering with school boards to improve access to sport facilities. In some communities, particularly in remote areas, schools are the only available indoor facility suitable for sport activities. Yet, we learned that many schools are not used after hours or during the summer, and accessing these facilities can be a cumbersome and complicated process.

The process to access school facilities varies by school board which adds to the complexity. Sport and non-sport organizations need to pay fees to access these school facilities. We heard that private sport organizations may be better able to pay fees to access municipal and school facilities. Participants noted that this further impeded access for community sport organizations — particularly for the periods and time slots of highest demand.

We also learned of the obstacles experienced by school boards as they attempt to provide better access to facilities. Concerns related to safety, liability, insurance and the maintenance costs associated with opening their facilities to the public were frequently cited.

Participants reminded us that data on sport infrastructure in Canada is essential to inform decision-making processes relevant to infrastructure development.

Participants’ perspectives on the private sector’s impact on accessibility of sport programs

As Chapter 5 noted, we heard about challenges posed by the increasing number of private sport clubs and associations. Participants described how these private organizations have been growing in numbers in recent years and told us that a disproportionate focus on performance and sport specialization has contributed to the growth of this sector. An increased reliance on private sport organizations to deliver sport programs was identified by many as contributing to the inaccessibility of sport. The lack of affordable community and school programs makes it more difficult for children and adults to participate in sporting activities. Ironically, we were told that private sport organizations may more easily meet the costs of accessing public sport facilities.

We were told that National Sport Organizations have responsibilities to develop and grow their sport, and to do so, in part, by developing imaginative programs to be delivered at the community level. Participants noted that this would help to combat the privatization of sport in Canada and provide opportunities to participate at the community level. Conversely, we were informed that it can be difficult for National Sport Organizations to meet these responsibilities, particularly where they are experiencing funding challenges or have very limited relationships with their provincial, territorial or community counterparts.

Some participants also observed that sport organizations from the grassroots to the national level are now focusing on performance and downplaying the virtues of participation. Concerns were expressed that the focus of these organizations has shifted to winning at all costs and making a profit. At the community level, we heard serious concerns that accessible programs in municipalities and schools have been impoverished, as pay-for-play models and privatization have become more prevalent.

Participants’ perspectives on the decreasing availability of municipal and school programs

Municipalities and public schools are generally the main providers of affordable opportunities to participate in sport. On average, the cost of participation in schools and recreation centres is much lower than in sport clubs.

For example, data from the 2024 Jumpstart State of Play Youth Report indicates that the average cost of participation in schools ($70 per person) and recreation centres ($85 per person) is much lower than the average cost of participation at a sports club ($1,122 per person).^{Footnote 734} The average cost of participation included the initial cost of registration fees, travel, uniforms, and all other associated expenses.

For many children and youth, school is the first and only place where they participate in organized sport. In some cases, municipal recreational centres offer programs free of charge for sport participants. However, we heard that municipalities’ and schools’ ability to offer cost-effective sport activities has been decreasing.

We learned that the depressingly low rates of physical activity for school-age children and youth could be explained, in part, by the declining availability of sport and physical activity programs in Canada’s schools. We learned that this troubling reality stems from a combination of factors, including physical activity not being a priority within the school curriculum, teachers’ working hours, and a lack of teachers with training in the delivery of physical activities. Restricted access to equipment also makes it difficult for schools to offer physical activity to children every day. Instead of having their children participate in school sport, some parents are spending thousands of dollars for their children to participate elsewhere, including private sports clubs and associations.

We learned that programs offered in schools are becoming less accessible. Some participants told us that school sport is becoming more exclusive. They are concerned that only youth who are either athletically gifted or who have received specialized training in clubs are earning spots on school teams. In some cases, the decline in the accessibility of school sport programs was most pronounced in low-income communities. Consequently, fewer students are being afforded opportunities to participate. Many saw increasing participation in school sport and a renewal of physical education programming as a clear opportunity to increase physical activity and improve access to sport among Canadian youth.

Calls to Action: improving sport infrastructure and programs

A significant barrier to increasing sport participation is Canada’s critical lack of appropriate sport infrastructure. Many existing facilities are in urgent need of repairs and upgrades to ensure that they are accessible, safe, and meet modern-day standards. Underserved, remote, and Indigenous communities experience even greater challenges accessing sport facilities.

Existing school facilities such as school gymnasiums are not being leveraged efficiently to promote sport participation. The lack of access to facilities can increase local sport clubs’ costs, which are passed on to athletes and their families, further limiting sport’s accessibility.

The accessibility of sport programs is closely tied to the availability of facilities and funding. Budget constraints, limited space, and a growing reliance on private sector models have reduced the number of affordable programs. Culturally appropriate programming is also lacking in many regions, affecting participation among diverse groups. Schools, the primary venues for youth sport, also face challenges in offering daily physical activity due to budget cuts, changes in the curriculum, and limited access to equipment and qualified staff.

Canada needs to increase its investment in sport infrastructure. Sport facilities are critical infrastructure and vital community assets that stimulate the local economy, improve public health, and serve as spaces where communities can come together.

The vital importance of sport infrastructure cannot be overstated. It is the foundation that enables participation in sport, which is a pillar of Canadian identity.

By investing in sport infrastructure, we can meaningfully remove barriers to enhance opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities, support their sport development and ensure that communities across Canada can access the full benefits of sport. Sport facilities foster social connections and well-being, and deliver lasting health, social, and economic benefits to entire communities.

Recently, Canada has emphasized building infrastructure in other sectors to build a stronger and more prosperous Canada. In light of the extensive benefits of sport, the enormous untapped potential of sport and sport infrastructure has clearly been overlooked. Investing in sport infrastructure is not an expense, but an investment in Canada’s youth.

Infrastructure development and revitalization

The Commission is of the view that significant reconsideration and reinvestment in sport infrastructure are needed, not only to support the pursuit of excellence and medals, but also to support a healthier, safer, and wealthier nation.

Throughout our engagement activities, we heard numerous calls for funding to address critical infrastructure gaps. The federal government’s last significant and comprehensive investment in sport facility buildings was in 1967 for the centennial. Many of these facilities have not been upgraded, refurbished, or replaced, and have deteriorated to the point of becoming a barrier to participation.

Additionally, population growth has added strain to the existing sport infrastructure. More sport facilities are therefore required to meet the demands of a growing population. There is also a significant need for sport facilities in Indigenous, northern, and remote communities.

Some participants called on the federal government to establish a dedicated program for sport infrastructure. This is not a new proposal. In 2006, provincial and territorial governments urged the federal government to collaborate with provinces and territories to develop a national sport, physical activity, and recreation infrastructure program.^{Footnote 735} This concept is even more relevant today. Participants reiterated this proposal during our engagement activities.

In their submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance in advance of the 2025 Fall Budget, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association recommended that the Government of Canada create a $100 million per year federal program to revitalize Canada’s aging recreation and parks infrastructure.^{Footnote 736}

Other participants questioned whether a new program dedicated to sport infrastructure was necessary. They recognized that the federal government is already transferring money to the provinces and territories for infrastructure development. The problem, we were told, is that these funds are not being directed to improve sport infrastructure. Similar concerns emerged in the context of the evaluation of Sport Canada Programs from 2015–16 to 2019-2020, which noted that while Infrastructure Canada provided funding to municipalities for infrastructure, such funding was often used for purposes other than sport facilities.^{Footnote 737} Participants suggested adding a condition that a certain percentage of the funds transferred by the federal government to provinces and territories for infrastructure, which is then allocated to municipalities, must be invested in sport infrastructure.

Regardless of the form of the program to invest in sport infrastructure, one thing is clear — all levels of governments must reinvest in sport infrastructure. We note that ahead of the 2025 Fall Budget, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance recommended that the Government of Canada “[reinvest] in parks, sport, and recreation infrastructure to ensure the health and well-being of the population.”^{Footnote 738}

Participants also emphasized the need to incentivize and encourage private companies to invest in sport infrastructure. They described private-equity funding as severely underutilized, especially for large infrastructure projects. Some participants were disappointed that sport infrastructure is not eligible for funding by the Canada Infrastructure Bank. They also stated that regulatory barriers were preventing further investment from the private sector and that all levels of government would need to act to enable private-equity funders to invest.

National collaborative infrastructure strategy

The Commission is strongly of the view that the federal government must collaborate with its provincial and territorial counterparts to create a national sport infrastructure strategy. We noted an absence of vision and strategy with respect to sport infrastructure in Canada. We emphasize the importance of a collective strategy, to determine which facilities need to be built or renovated. The strategy should include cooperative data-collection mechanisms to monitor and evaluate sport infrastructure needs. A planned, collaborative approach to the funding of these projects is needed. We also recognize the importance of distinct provincial and territorial sport infrastructure strategies.

Given the central role of municipalities in the development of sport infrastructure and the delivery of sport programs, it is important that they be involved appropriately in the development of strategies to further enable effective collaboration. Governments should also work in distinct collaboration with Indigenous groups to improve access to facilities in Indigenous communities.

The national collaborative strategy should address the following concerns related to sport infrastructure:

Some regions have more wealth and infrastructure than others. Remote and Indigenous communities face even higher challenges with fewer sport facilities suitable for training and competition.
Many sport facilities are inaccessible for people with disabilities.
The allocation of time and space for using sport facilities is not equitable.
Significant challenges are encountered in accessing school and municipal facilities. School facilities in particular are community assets that are underused to facilitate participation in sport and physical activity. Coordinated approaches to the use of municipal and school facilities would optimize the use of such facilities in community settings.

Improving access to sport facilities creates the physical spaces needed for programs to operate. Better infrastructure makes programs more accessible and inclusive, allowing more Canadians to participate and benefit from sport and physical activity. Funding of the sport system also has an impact on the accessibility of sport programs. The Commission’s Calls to Action on funding can be found in Chapter 15.

Calls to Action

The Commission calls for the following actions to be taken:

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.
The Government of Canada increase the funding it allocates to the development and revitalization of sport infrastructure.
The Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, create a dedicated sport infrastructure program.
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.

Barriers to sport and physical activity for equity-deserving groups

Many individuals in Canada face additional barriers to participation rooted in systemic and individual discrimination. According to academics, Canadian sport was historically made by and for cisgender, heterosexual, non-disabled, white men.^{Footnote 739} Sexism, ableism, racism, homophobia, and transphobia continue to limit who is afforded the opportunity to participate and succeed in sport.

Members of equity-deserving groups, including women, people with disabilities, racialized persons, Indigenous people, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQI+, do not have the same access to sport as the dominant group.

In the Commission’s survey, a notable portion of respondents who answered questions about improving the sport system in Canada selected barriers limiting participation of equity-deserving groups (32.3%) and a lack of inclusive environments that promote belonging and respect (29.9%) as the most pressing issues related to participation in organized sport in Canada.

A greater proportion of Indigenous respondents (42.0%), racialized respondents (50.2%), respondents who identify as a person living with a disability (48.6%), and those from 2SLGBTQI+ communities (52.0%) identified barriers limiting participation of equity-deserving groups as the most pressing issue. A lack of inclusive environments was selected by almost half of respondents from 2SLGBTQI+ communities (48.6%), respondents who identified with a disability (45.7%), and those who reside in Canada’s territories (47.4%).

Below, we discuss barriers to sport participation faced by equity-deserving groups. Although we discuss the barriers separately, we recognize that participation rates are shaped by diverse intersecting factors, including geographic location and economic situation, as well as other factors including gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability.

Barriers that women and girls face

Gender-based discrimination persists and continues to limit women’s participation in sport.^{Footnote 740} Many women and girls encounter barriers to participating in sport, including discrimination because of their gender and the prevalence of stereotypes that prevent their participation and advancement in sport organizations.^{Footnote 741} Many aspects of sport and physical activity also default to the preferences of boys and men, like equipment design and coaching approaches.^{Footnote 742} Women, belonging to historically marginalized groups, may experience additional discrimination and reduced access based on their origin, language, and identity.^{Footnote 743}

Over the years, various initiatives and organizations have aimed to increase the participation of women and girls in sport. For example, Canadian Women and Sport, a Multisport Service Organization, works with sport and other organizations to enhance women’s participation in sport.^{Footnote 744} Some Community Sport Organizations also offer sport programs specifically for women and girls. Various governments, including the federal government, have also instituted different programs and grants over the years to support participation by women and girls.^{Footnote 745}

Participants’ perspectives — Girls and women

The Commission heard of the various challenges that women and girls face in sport. Many told us that sport environments can be unwelcoming to women and girls because sport settings continue to be male dominated. The absence of quality experiences for girls was identified as a barrier to participation. It was also noted that sport leaders are not equipped to address the needs of girls. Fewer than half of coaches receive training on how to create quality opportunities for girls in sport.^{Footnote 746}

We learned that sport organizations are ill-equipped to support athletes and high-performance athletes who want to start a family and athletes who are parents. Many female athletes shared that pregnancy was not welcomed in the sport world. Others noted how it was difficult for women with families to make time to participate in sport and there was a lack of understanding of their situations. Additionally, while there is an increasing number of sport programs for girls, we were told that there are very few grassroots programs for women aged 18 and older.

Barriers that persons with disabilities face

Persons with disabilities face long-standing and systemic barriers which prevent access to safe, welcoming, and disability-inclusive sport. Persons with disabilities lack opportunities to participate, compete, and coach. They remain under-represented in the Canadian sport system.

Systemic barriers include inaccessible facilities and transportation, the unavailability of adapted equipment, and a lack of organizations providing disability-inclusive programs. Parents of children with a disability and adults with a disability may be unsure of what sport programming is available to them, and whether there are disability-inclusive programs.^{Footnote 747} It has also been noted that specialized coaches are not easily accessible to athletes with disabilities.^{Footnote 748} There is also a lack of disability confident sport leaders. Discrimination, ableism, exclusion, and the persistence of negative stereotypes also reduce opportunities for participation.^{Footnote 749}

Disability sport in Canada is delivered through a vast network of Para and disability sport organizations. Disability sport organizations include Special Olympics Canada and its provincial and territorial chapters, and the Canadian Deaf Sports Associations and its Provincial Deaf Sports Associations. We discuss disability and Para sport organizations in further detail in Chapter 5.

The Canadian Paralympic Committee advocates for meaningful disability inclusion within the Canadian Sport System and promotes inclusive communities through the power of Paralympic sport.^{Footnote 750} The Canadian Paralympic Committee provides financial assistance to local Para sport organizations across the country through the Paralympic Sport Development Fund.^{Footnote 751}

The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability’s mission is to support communities and organizations to increase the participation of persons with disabilities in physical activity, recreation and community sport.^{Footnote 752} The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability advocates for systemic change to remove barriers to physical activity, recreation and community sport.^{Footnote 753} This work includes advocating for disability-inclusive planning, policymaking, programs, and services.

Participants’ perspectives — Persons with disabilities

We were told that ableism and the presence of widespread harm have led to lower levels of sport participation for those with disabilities. Athletes with disabilities experience higher levels of harms than athletes without disabilities, including harms related to ableism.

Inaccessibility constitutes a significant barrier to participation. We were informed that people with disabilities are often forced to train, compete, travel, work and are housed in inaccessible facilities either because there are insufficient alternatives, as in small towns, or because of the decisions of mostly non-disabled coaches and administrators. This can lead to physical harms of athletes with disabilities and to being left behind.

A lack of choice related to programs, coaches, and training staff constitutes another barrier for athletes with disabilities. Participants noted that rural athletes with disabilities rarely have access to appropriate disability programs locally. We heard that those with disabilities sometimes cannot leave unsafe environments because alternative programs may not be available.

Participants reiterated on multiple occasions that people with disabilities have the right to safe, meaningful access to what they called “mainstream” and integrated sport programs. Although “mainstream” sport programs may offer a greater choice of sport, there is concern that there is little consideration or attention to the safe participation of people with disabilities in such settings. Participants remarked that many National Sport Organizations do not create Para specific programs and prioritize athletes without disabilities insofar as access to training, coaches, facilities, and funding are concerned.

We were advised that programs for athletes with disabilities are generally run by non-disabled decision-makers. In both the “mainstream” and the disability sport context, the majority of administrators, board members, and coaches who make decisions that affect the safety of persons with disabilities do not themselves have disabilities. We heard how this can result in well-meaning sport practices and policies that inadvertently decrease athlete safety and participation because they may not be based on the actual needs of athletes with disabilities.

Barriers that racialized people face

Racialized individuals continue to face significant barriers that limit their access to and participation in sport. It has been recognized that individuals from racial and ethno-cultural communities are disproportionally under-represented in sport and physical activity. Structural or procedural barriers, including the fact that these activities are not always culturally meaningful, contribute to this reality. It cannot be denied that racial discrimination is present in sport and physical activity spaces and acts as a barrier to participation.

A 2024 Statistics Canada report indicates that 25% of Canadians felt that racism and discrimination were problems in community sports. Among those who participated in community sport, 18% said that they experienced or witnessed unfair treatment, racism, or discrimination in sport, with race or skin colour as the most common reason cited for discrimination.^{Footnote 754} The evidence is clear that racialized groups are at a higher risk of experiencing various forms of harm and discrimination.^{Footnote 755} The Change the Game Research Project launched by the MLSE Foundation demonstrated that more than one out of every three Black youth, one of four Indigenous youth, and one of five BIPOC youth (i.e., Black, Indigenous, and people of colour) report having directly experienced racism in sport in Ontario.^{Footnote 756} The Change the Game Research 2.0 project completed the following year found that 82% of youth reported not having anyone they feel they can talk to about experiences with racism or discrimination in sport.^{Footnote 757}

Systemic issues in sport, such as the under-representation of racialized individuals among coaches and in positions of authority, have been clearly identified.^{Footnote 758} The 2025 Jumpstart State of Youth Sport report noted that approximately 25% of Black, Indigenous, and Mixed Race youth report that their coach “almost never” looked like them, compared to 13% for White youth.^{Footnote 759} Hiring and recruitment can be unfair, and racialized athletes, coaches, and administrators can be overlooked.^{Footnote 760} There is a lack of institutional policies to combat racism, compounded by a general lack of training and awareness among coaches and leaders on how to prevent and address racist and discriminatory incidents.^{Footnote 761}

Several initiatives have been implemented across the country to promote participation and address racism. Some grassroots organizations offer opportunities to members of racialized communities to participate in sport and physical activity at the community level.

Other organizations seek to address anti-racism by raising awareness and offering anti-racism education and resources. The Coaching Association of Canada, for example, has an e-learning module and resources on anti-racism and coaching. The association worked with a team of expert advisors to develop the Anti-Racism in Coaching e-learning module, which launched in 2022.^{Footnote 762} Anti-Racism in Sport offers resources, a model anti-racism policy template, and a workshop called “Sport Is Not an Equal Playing Field: An Introduction to Anti-Racism Literacy and Action.”^{Footnote 763}

In 2024, the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network launched the Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sport toolkit. The toolkit was created in collaboration with a group of experts in diversity and inclusion, athletes who have experienced racism first-hand, and sport organizations committed to change.^{Footnote 764} It includes a variety of resources to support organizations in their work toward anti-racism, Indigenous inclusion and reconciliation, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Sport Canada has previously acknowledged the deep and long-lasting impacts of systemic racism on sport in Canada. During their 2025 Conference, the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation directed officials to examine how governments can further address racism and discrimination in sport in Canada.^{Footnote 765}

Sport Canada has previously offered funding to sport organizations to support equity, diversity, and inclusion.^{Footnote 766} This was short-term project funding that has been the subject of criticism. See Chapter 15 for further information on funding.

More broadly, the Government of Canada developed the Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–2028. This strategy aims to tackle systemic racism and make communities more inclusive.^{Footnote 767}

Participants’ perspectives — Racialized people

Participants recounted their experiences of racism and discrimination in sport environments, which sometimes led them to withdraw from their sport.

Racism takes various forms, not all of them obvious. Participants recounted their experience of being verbally abused. We heard of discriminatory remarks, the use of slurs, and micro-aggressions. Some participants were told that they were selected for the team or a leadership position only because of “the need for diversity.” Tokenism was identified as a significant issue. Participants shared that in predominantly white sports, they were confronted with assumptions about how they did not fit the perceived mold of what an athlete should look like.

Many noted that racism is not being sufficiently addressed. Mandatory anti-racism education for all sport participants, increasing anti-racism awareness, and addressing structural inequities related to poverty and access were all suggested by participants as actions to meaningfully address racism in sport. Some suggested that all sport organizations should adopt zero-tolerance anti-racism policies. Others noted the importance of collaborating with grassroots community organizations that work in diverse communities. Many emphasized the need to combat racism from a systemic perspective, at both the local and national level. They suggested that there should be access to information on how organizations can address racism, including anti-Black racism.

A lack of representation of racialized sport participants, including athletes, coaches, and leaders, was apparent to many participants. They explained it is difficult to look around the room and not see anyone who looked like them. Racialized individuals on boards recalled having their experience and skills dismissed because of the colour of their skin. We were told that people of colour are being pushed out of boards.

On the other hand, we heard that when leadership is representative, it encourages others to enter the sport and can build welcoming environments. Having a seat at the decision-making table was seen as an effective means to effect change.

Additionally, while there is known interest among minority populations in participating in sport and recreation, this often remains unattainable due to a lack of existing facilities, programs, and services that adequately address their cultural, social, and religious needs.^{Footnote 768}

Barriers that newcomers face

Sport can be an important, welcoming vehicle for the integration of newcomers into their local communities.^{Footnote 769} Newcomers face several barriers when considering participation in sport and physical activity. Multiple factors, including language barriers, racism, discrimination, social exclusion, and cultural differences, add to the challenges. Financial barriers, transportation challenges, unfamiliarity with sport, and a lack of information may also serve as barriers to engagement.^{Footnote 770} Despite these barriers, research indicates that newcomers are interested in participating in sport and physical activity.^{Footnote 771}

Many sport and non-sport national, provincial, territorial, and community organizations across Canada have reached out to newcomers and found ways to enable their successful participation in sport and physical activity.^{Footnote 772} Numerous organizations provide resources, assistance, and information to make sport and physical activity more accessible.^{Footnote 773}

Some Community Sport Organizations and local organizations offer culturally relevant sport programming. Others provide guidance and leadership to help others reduce the barriers that newcomers experience. The Sport for Life Society published a resource in 2024 that outlines the barriers newcomers may face in participating in sport and physical activity and provides examples of solutions to improve accessibility.^{Footnote 774} Nevertheless, more engagement is needed from all in order to appropriately engage, include and welcome newcomers.^{Footnote 775}

Participants’ perspectives — Newcomers

Sport is important for newcomers. We learned how it creates connection and community, which blossoms into a sense of belonging. Nonetheless, for most newcomers, the likelihood of getting into competitive sport is very low as a result of racism and discrimination within the sport system, and other barriers to participation.

Newcomers informed us of the obstacles they face, including financial barriers presented by the fees required for youth sport activities, challenges of distance and transportation, and a reliance on public transportation. Other newcomers noted how they must navigate unfamiliar new systems and social norms in Canada. We were told that the process to register for sport can be complicated and frustrating. Language barriers can also contribute to sport’s inaccessibility.^{Footnote 776}

To address these barriers, participants suggested that sport organizations should simplify their registration processes, collaborate with settlement agencies, and work with interpreters to overcome language barriers. Still, we were advised to recognize that there is no “one size fits all” approach.

Some suggested that sport policy and programs should become more closely aligned with immigration services and programs in order to help newcomers understand the opportunities afforded by sport and how to enroll their children in different programs. We heard that that Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations might work more closely with sport organizations who serve marginalized groups to increase accessibility to the sport while becoming more active in supporting newcomers. We were told that additional resources should be allocated to sport organizations and programs that facilitate integration, social cohesion, and well-being among refugee and newcomer populations.

Barriers that 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face

Access to sport for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals remains unequal due, in part, to a lack of inclusive and safe spaces. They face unique barriers to participating in sport and physical activity, from a lack of safe and accessible changerooms and washrooms, to exclusion, discrimination, hostile language, and violence.^{Footnote 777}

As Egale Canada highlighted, 2SLGBTQI+ people continue to experience exclusion and violence within sport environments at all levels.^{Footnote 778} The 2024 IOC Consensus Statement on Interpersonal Violence and Safeguarding in Sport, published by the International Olympic Committee, noted that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ athletes experience more interpersonal violence in sport.^{Footnote 779} Implicit and explicit acts of homophobia are common across sport organizations and prevent sport participation from 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.^{Footnote 780} A 2017 study surveying 1,008 Canadian athletes reported that 30% of heterosexual athletes, 67% of lesbian, gay and bisexual athletes, and 85% of transgender athletes experienced at least one homophobic episode.^{Footnote 781}

Sport and non-sport organizations have created opportunities, tools, and resources to support 2SLGBTQI+ individuals’ inclusion in sport.^{Footnote 782} Egale Canada seeks to specifically advance equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada. They created the “2SLGBTQI Sports Inclusion: Playbook to Breaking Down Barriers” which identifies specific barriers and discrimination that exist in sport and provides tips and tricks to promote inclusion.^{Footnote 783} They also provide a list of sport leagues and clubs all over the country that actively include and create space for 2SLGBTQI+ people.^{Footnote 784}

In British Columbia, viaSport created the “Inclusion in Sport Coaching Resource,” designed to help coaches create safe spaces for their participants, especially those who identify as 2SLGBTQI+.^{Footnote 785} Meaningful opportunities for participation in sport are provided by 2SLGBTQI+ led grassroot sport organizations and clubs.^{Footnote 786}

Participants’ perspectives — 2SLGBTQI+ individuals

We learned that many 2SLGBTQI+ sport participants have left sport after facing homophobia and transphobia. Some participants shared that homophobia was normalized in sport and it continues to be a systemic problem.

We heard of the homophobic and transphobic language frequently used in locker rooms and other sport-related spaces. Athletes told us that they were often the focus of homophobic slurs. Transgender and gender-diverse people experienced forms of transphobia, including policing^{Footnote 787} in facilities and changerooms, discriminatory comments, and violence. We heard from participants who did not feel safe being out in sport, and others who were asked to conceal their sexual orientation. Ultimately, many 2SLGBTQI+ participants shared that they did not feel safe in sport settings.

Grassroots organizations and leagues have been created by and for queer athletes. Participants shared that these organizations focus on inclusivity, socialization, and providing a safe environment for 2SLGBTQI+ athletes. We learned that there was something unique and empowering about these leagues where participants feel seen and can be their authentic selves. Participants told us it was difficult for these organizations to obtain funding and access to quality facilities. Other organizations experienced challenges in finding referees, umpires, and officials who were willing to participate in their leagues.

Barriers that Indigenous people face

In previous chapters, we outlined how sport plays a critical role in the identity of Indigenous communities. We learned from Indigenous people that sport brings communities together and supports community health, wellness, and pride. Sport was noted to be a tool for reconciliation and cultural resurgence.

Although access to sport and physical activity for Indigenous people, including participants’ views on access to sport, is discussed in more detail in Chapter 6, it is important to recognize that numerous barriers specifically limit access to sport for Indigenous people.

Research demonstrates that Indigenous people continue to experience overt and systemic racism within sport. Indigenous youth are subjected to racial slurs, stereotypes, alienation, institutional discrimination, and other forms of racism which are barriers to their participation in sport.^{Footnote 788} The lack of culturally relevant programming or sport facilities in most Indigenous communities, the cost of participation, and the high costs of travel (many need to travel outside the community to play sport) also limit access to sport. Indigenous communities have highlighted these barriers for years.

In their examination of the Canadian sport system, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage reported that “there is still work to be done before Indigenous people can participate fully in the Canadian Sport System.”^{Footnote 789}

Chapter 6 presents the participants’ perspectives on barriers to participation in sport and physical activity for Indigenous people.

Participants’ perspectives on efforts to increase accessibility for equity-deserving groups

Opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity are not equitable. While important progress has been made in making sport more accessible, sport participants in Canada continue to face structural, systemic barriers that limit or prevent participation. Many noted that the inequalities and barriers to participation and opportunity are growing. We heard that a greater focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion is necessary to ensure that sport is accessible to all.

Growing inequities in sport are contrary to the broad consensus among participants that all Canadians — regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, culture, Indigeneity, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background — should have equal access to sport and physical activities. Many participants believe that access to sport and recreation should be a right for all citizens. They also told us that the right to participate should shape government policies and interventions, including the allocation of funds. We clearly heard of the fundamental importance of ensuring that members of equity-deserving or under-represented groups feel welcomed and safe in the sport environment.

We consistently heard that governments and sport organizations need to ensure that sport is more inclusive and accessible for marginalized groups. We were also told that it was particularly important to focus on removing barriers at the community level because this is where most Canadians participate in sport and where virtually all athletes begin their sport journeys.

We were pleased to note that steps are being taken to provide funding to increase sport and physical activity participation for under-represented communities. The federal government provides funding programs that seek to reduce barriers to participation, namely the Community Sport for All Initiative (Sport Canada) and the Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund (Public Health Agency Canada).^{Footnote 790}

Many applauded the Community Sport for All Initiative and urged the continuation of such programs. The need for culturally relevant and welcoming spaces was noted. Participants emphasized the need to further invest in community-led sport programs tailored to people with disabilities, Indigenous, racialized, female, and 2SLGBTQI+ participants. Others supported the need for low-cost targeted programs for vulnerable populations that could benefit greatly from sport experiences.

We also heard that a greater focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion within the sport system is necessary to ensure that sport is accessible to all. Participants suggested that ensuring marginalized groups have more access to leadership opportunities would promote a healthier and more accessible and diverse sport environment in Canada.

We learned that while meaningful equity, diversity, and inclusion policies can demonstrate a genuine commitment to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, these policies often lack concrete plans or actions to fulfill commitments to improve inclusivity. In some cases, exclusion is reproduced through policy. People from equity-deserving groups continue to experience exclusion as well as “erasure, denial, and ignorance when engaging within Canada’s sport system, not despite such policies, but sometimes because of them.”^{Footnote 791}

Others noted that Sport UK has a dedicated equity, diversity, and inclusion strategy for sport.^{Footnote 792} Equity, diversity, and inclusion requirements for National Sport Organizations are tied to funding and enshrined in the Code for Sport Governance. We explore this model in further detail in Chapter 14. Others noted that the sport system in New Zealand is more welcoming for women and girls, and inclusive of Indigenous people, than Canada’s sport system.

Calls to Action: improving equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in sport

The Commission recognizes that many newcomers and Canadians from equity-deserving groups continue to face additional intersecting barriers to sport participation. Harassment, discrimination, and systemic inequalities all contribute to creating unsafe sport environments and limit access. A continued focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion is therefore required to ensure that sport and physical activity are safe and accessible for all.

In light of our work, the Commission is of the view that racism, discrimination, and unfair treatment persist in Canadian sport and remain largely unaddressed. Opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity are not equitable.

While there is general recognition that important progress has made sport more accessible, sport participants in Canada continue to face structural, systemic, and social barriers that limit or prevent participation. The inequalities and barriers to participation and opportunity are growing. This reality was universally acknowledged by governments, sport organizations, and sport participants.

We commend the federal, provincial and territorial governments for their decision to direct officials to examine how governments can further address racism and discrimination and sport in Canada.^{Footnote 793} This work must be advanced as a priority, with the development and implementation of a concrete strategy to achieve meaningful and sustained change. Sport Canada does not have a dedicated anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion strategy.

Improving inclusivity and accessibility of sport is a complex problem that requires a multi-pronged approach. Participants spoke of the importance of education, having appropriate policies in place, providing funding to support equitable access to sport, improving governance practices, and — most importantly — creating safe and welcoming sport environments.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion policies, education and governance

The Commission believes that equity, diversity and inclusion are crucial to create safe, welcoming, and accessible sport environments.

Although some National Sport Organizations, Multisport Service Organizations, and Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations have adopted anti-racism, and equity, diversity and inclusion strategies, there are currently no accountability or reporting structures in place. These strategies often have very few, if any mention of how they will assist or support members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Many participants emphasized the importance of education as a tool to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in sport. Some suggested that anti-racism and inclusion training should be mandatory for members of boards of directors, coaches, staff, and athletes.

The Commission recognizes the fundamental importance of diversity in sport leadership structures. We consistently heard about the importance of representation in sport leadership, including among coaches, staff, and boards of directors. In Chapter 14 which explores the governance of sport organizations, we have made Calls to Action regarding board diversity.

Diversity and inclusion need to be reflected in measurable outcomes. Clear direction is needed from the federal government on diversity, equity and inclusion. Standards need to be set for sport organizations, and they must be held accountable to these standards. Therefore, the federal government should establish standards and ensure that all sport organizations receiving federal funds follow best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion. In addition to the Calls to Action outlined in Chapter 14 on sport organization governance, consideration should be given to staff representation, training and education, and equity, diversity, and inclusion policies.

Funding equitable access

We consistently heard of the importance of providing equitable funding in sport to ensure its accessibility. We recognize that the sport system needs ongoing, stable, and equitable funding to ensure it serves equity-deserving groups, including persons with disabilities, Black, Indigenous, and people of colour, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities. The Commission’s Calls to Action on sport and physical activity funding can be found in Chapter 15.

Additionally, the Commission acknowledges the recommendation of the Standing Committee of the Status of Women that the Government of Canada continue investing in gender equity in sports, notably in projects that reduce barriers for women and girls to participate in sports, including:

socioeconomic conditions
lack of access to sports facilities, including community and municipal facilities
discrimination, sexism, racism, and ableism
gender-based violence.^{Footnote 794}

In response to this recommendation, we understand that Sport Canada will fund eligible projects that seek to recruit, train, and develop individuals in equity-deserving populations which will lead to increased participation and retention of individuals in those communities. This will also prepare them to take on leadership roles within the sport system. We note that past funding to support these initiatives for federally funded sport organizations has been provided as project funding, which was found to be insufficient to make meaningful changes in sport organizations.

Calls to Action

The Commission calls for the following actions to be taken:

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.
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.
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.

Footnotes

Footnote 647

The acronym 2SLGBTQI+ is used to refer to Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people and those who use other terms related to gender and sexual diversity.

Return to footnote 647 referrer

Footnote 648

See for example, the Canadian Sport Policy 2012 (Canadian Heritage, Canadian Sport Policy 2012 (Ottawa: Canadian Heritage, 2012), online (PDF, 17.8 MB): <http/publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2016/pch/CH24-46-2012-eng.pdf>.

Return to footnote 648 referrer

Footnote 649

Statistics Canada, “Directly Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Canada: New Results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2022 to 2024” (October 17, 2025) at 1, online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/daily-quotidien/251017/dq251017b-eng.pdf?st=wNUdEgHu>. ParticipACTION, “Moving Beyond Stagnation: Elevating Physical Activity in Canada 2025 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults” (2025) at 18, online (PDF, 2.24 MB): <https://www.participaction.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025_PAC_Report_Card_Full.pdf>.

Return to footnote 649 referrer

Footnote 650

Statistics Canada, “Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work” (October 10, 2023) at 1, online (PDF, 1 MB): <www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.pdf>.

Return to footnote 650 referrer

Footnote 651

Statistics Canada, “Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work” (October 10, 2023) at 1, online (PDF, 1 MB): <www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.pdf>.

Return to footnote 651 referrer

Footnote 652

Statistics Canada, “Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work” (October 10, 2023) at 2, online (PDF, 1 MB): <www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.pdf>.

Return to footnote 652 referrer

Footnote 653

Statistics Canada, “Diving into the Data: Sports Participation in Canada” (November 1, 2023), online: <www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/4863-diving-data-sports-participation-canada>.

Return to footnote 653 referrer

Footnote 654

Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, “Sport Participation” (last visited December 2025), online: <https://cflri.ca/publication/sport-participation/>.

Return to footnote 654 referrer

Footnote 655

Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, “Adults” (last visited June 2025), online: <https://cflri.ca/publications/sport-participation/adults/>;.

Return to footnote 655 referrer

Footnote 656

Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, “Adults” (last visited June 2025), online: <https://cflri.ca/publications/sport-participation/adults/>.

Return to footnote 656 referrer

Footnote 657

Aspen Institute, “World’s Leading Sport System: How Governance Is Structured” (last visited November 2025) at 2-3, online (PDF, 9.15 MB): <https://www.aspeninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WorldSportSystemsReportFinal.pdf>. Most grades in Youth Sport Participation were drawn from a 2022 report prepared by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance.

Return to footnote 657 referrer

Footnote 658

Aspen Institute, “World’s Leading Sport System: How Governance Is Structured” (last visited November 2025) at 3, online (PDF, 9.15 MB): <https://www.aspeninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WorldSportSystemsReportFinal.pdf>; ParticipACTION, “2022 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth” (2022), online (PDF, 6.05 MB): <https://www.activehealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Canada-report-card-long-form-2022-en.pdf>.

Return to footnote 658 referrer

Footnote 659

Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, “Spotlight Series: A Focus on Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation” (2025), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://cflri.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SP-PARENTS-Child-Sport-Participation-EN-FINAL.pdf>.

Return to footnote 659 referrer

Footnote 660

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Footnote 661

Statistics Canada, “Directly Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Canada: New Results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2022 to 2024” (October 17, 2025), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/daily-quotidien/251017/dq251017b-eng.pdf?st=wNUdEgHu>.

Return to footnote 661 referrer

Footnote 662

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Footnote 663

Alexandra Mae Jones, “Four Out of Five Teens Aren’t Getting Enough Physical Activity in Canada” CBC News (October 21, 2025), online: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/teens-physical-activity-study-statistics-canada-9.6946105>.

Return to footnote 663 referrer

Footnote 664

Return to footnote 664 referrer

Footnote 665

ParticipACTION, “Rallying for Resilience: Keeping Children and Youth Active in a Changing Climate” (2024) at 7, online (PDF, 11.9 MB): <www.participaction.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-Children-and-Youth-Report-Card-Highlight-Report-1.pdf?x26420>.

Return to footnote 665 referrer

Footnote 666

See Statistics Canada, Unfair Treatment, Racism and Discrimination in Community Sports in Canada, by Andrew Canning, in Insights on Canadian Society, Catalogue No 75-006-X (Ottawa: Statistics Canada, March 10, 2025), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/75-006-x/2025001/article/00004-eng.pdf?st=heHoY5o3>.

Return to footnote 666 referrer

Footnote 667

Statistics Canada, “Canada At a Glance 2023” (2023), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/12-581-x/12-581-x2023001-eng.pdf?st=UZzMZp6A>.

Return to footnote 667 referrer

Footnote 668

Statistics Canada, “Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work” (October 10, 2023) at 2, online (PDF, 1 MB): <www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.pdf>.

Return to footnote 668 referrer

Footnote 669

See Amélie Keysner-Verrault et al, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Organizations, translated by Catriona Leblanc (Québec: Presses de l’Université Laval, 2024) at 10-14, online (PDF, 4.33 MB):<https://www.pulaval.com/libreacces/9782763758442.pdf>.

Return to footnote 669 referrer

Footnote 670

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Footnote 671

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Footnote 672

Canadian Women and Sport, “Rally Report 2024: A Call to Reimagine Sport So All Girls Can Play” (2024) at 5, online: <https://womenandsport.ca/en-ca/resource/rally-report-2024>.

Return to footnote 672 referrer

Footnote 673

Canadian Women and Sport, “Rally Report 2024: A Call to Reimagine Sport So All Girls Can Play” (2024) at 5, online: <https://womenandsport.ca/en-ca/resource/rally-report-2024>.

Return to footnote 673 referrer

Footnote 674

Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, “Sport Participation By Disability Status” (last visited December 2025), online: <https://cflri.ca/publication/sport-participation-by-disability-status/>.

Return to footnote 674 referrer

Footnote 675

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Footnote 676

Statistics Canada, “The Disability Rate in Canada Increased in 2022” (April 3, 2024), online: <https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/5980-disability-rate-canada-increased-2022>.

Return to footnote 676 referrer

Footnote 677

Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, “Power of Sport: The True Sport Report 2022” (2022) at 38, online (PDF, 4.78 MB): <https://cces.ca/sites/default/files/content/docs/2024-01/cces-true-sport-report-2022-acc-en.pdf>.

Return to footnote 677 referrer

Footnote 678

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Footnote 679

Statistics Canada, “The Canadian census: A rich portrait of the country's religious and ethnocultural diversity” (October 26, 2022), online: <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221026/dq221026b-eng.htm>.

Return to footnote 679 referrer

Footnote 680

See, for example, Institute for Canadian Citizenship, “Playing Together: New Citizens, Sports and Belonging” (July 2024) at 19, online (PDF, 4.59 MB): <https://forcitizenship.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/PlayingTogether_FullR-Online_Final.pdf>.

Return to footnote 680 referrer

Footnote 681

Statistics Canada,”Canada At a Glance 2023: Immigration and Ethnocultural” (last modified September 4, 2025), online: <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/12-581-x/2023001/sec2-eng.htm>.

Return to footnote 681 referrer

Footnote 682

Statistics Canada, “Canada’s Demographic Estimates for July 1, 2023: Record-high Population Growth Since 1957” (September 27, 2023) at 1, online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/daily-quotidien/230927/dq230927a-eng.pdf?st=Fk-9e1a7>.

Return to footnote 682 referrer

Footnote 683

Chinchin Wang et al, “Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation and Active Transportation to School Among Canadian Youth by Gender Identity and Sexual Attraction” (2024) 44:2 Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada 47, online: <https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.44.2.02>.

Return to footnote 683 referrer

Footnote 684

Statistics Canada, Unfair Treatment, Racism and Discrimination in Community Sports in Canada, by Andrew Canning, in Insights on Canadian Society, Catalogue No 75-006-X (Ottawa: Statistics Canada, March 10, 2025), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/75-006-x/2025001/article/00004-eng.pdf?st=heHoY5o3>. Statistics Canada uses the acronym 2SLGBTQ+ for data analysis purposes as information is not yet specifically collected about intersex people in surveys.

Return to footnote 684 referrer

Footnote 685

Statistics Canada, “Socioeconomic Profile of the 2SLGBTQ+ Population Aged 15 Years and Older, 2019 to 2021” (January 25, 2024), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/daily-quotidien/240125/dq240125b-eng.pdf?st=rkIfK0HW>. Statistics Canada uses the acronym 2SLGBTQ+ for data analysis purposes as information is not yet specifically collected about intersex people in surveys.

Return to footnote 685 referrer

Footnote 686

See Sue Cragg, Policy and program considerations for increasing sport participation among members of underrepresented groups in Canada, 2nd Edition (Ottawa, Canada: Sport Canada, 2019) at 3, online (PDF, 4.05 MB): <https://sirc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Encouraging-Sport-Participation-in-UnderRepresented-Groups-2nd-Edition-Final-Dec-31.pdf>.

Return to footnote 686 referrer

Footnote 687

Canadian Women and Sport, “Rally Report 2022: A Call for Better, Safe Sport for Girls” (2022) at 7, online: <https://womenandsport.ca/resource/the-rally-report-2022>.

Return to footnote 687 referrer

Footnote 688

“Canadian Sport Policy 2025-2035” (2025), online (PDF, 17.1 MB): <https://csp.sirc.ca/uploads/images/files/EN/Canadian-Sport-Policy-2025-2035-EN-FINAL.pdf>.

Return to footnote 688 referrer

Footnote 689

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Footnote 690

Statistics Canada, “Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work” (October 10, 2023), online (PDF, 1 MB): <www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.pdf>.

Return to footnote 690 referrer

Footnote 691

Statistics Canada, “Participation in Canadian Society through Sport and Work” (October 10, 2023), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/daily-quotidien/231010/dq231010b-eng.pdf?st=un5iGhDd>.

Return to footnote 691 referrer

Footnote 692

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Footnote 693

Jumpstart, “Jumpstart State of Play Youth Report 2025” (2025) at 4, online (PDF, 18.88 MB): <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0122/8124/9892/files/Jumpstart_State_of_Play_Youth_Report_English_Canada.pdf?v=1768837797>.

Return to footnote 693 referrer

Footnote 694

See, for example, Richard Gruneau, “Goodbye Gordie Howe: Sport Participation and Class Inequality in the ‘Pay for Play’ Society” in David Taras and Christopher Waddell, eds, How Canadians Communicate V: Sports (Alberta, Athabasca University Press: 2016) 223 at 241, online (PDF, 5.03 MB): <https://www.aupress.ca/app/uploads/120244_99Z_Taras_Waddell_2016-How_Canadians_Communicate_V_Sports.pdf>.

Return to footnote 694 referrer

Footnote 695

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Footnote 696

ParticipACTION, Moving Beyond Stagnation: Elevating Physical Activity in Canada 2025 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults (Toronto: ParticipACTION, 2025) at 31, online (PDF, 2.24 MB): <https://www.participaction.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025_PAC_Report_Card_Full.pdf>.

Return to footnote 696 referrer

Footnote 697

Richard Gruneau, “Goodbye, Gordie Howe: Sport Participation and Class Inequality in the ‘Pay for Play’ Society” in David Taras & Christopher Waddel, eds, How Canadians Communicate V: Sports (Athabasca: Athabasca University Press, 2016) 223 at 240 (PDF, 5.03 MB) <https://www.aupress.ca/app/uploads/120244_99Z_Taras_Waddell_2016-How_Canadians_Communicate_V_Sports.pdf>.

Return to footnote 697 referrer

Footnote 698

Jumpstart, “Jumpstart State of Sport Report” (April 2023) at 6, online (PDF, 18.88 MB): <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0122/8124/9892/files/Jumpstart_State_of_Sport_Report_April_2023_ENG_-_DIGITAL_1_FINAL-s.pdf?v=1695245659>.

Return to footnote 698 referrer

Footnote 699

Jumpstart, “Jumpstart State of Sport Report” (April 2023) at 9, online (PDF, 18.88 MB): <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0122/8124/9892/files/Jumpstart_State_of_Sport_Report_April_2023_ENG_-_DIGITAL_1_FINAL-s.pdf?v=1695245659>.

Return to footnote 699 referrer

Footnote 700

Jumpstart, “State of Sport Report: The Value and Cost of Participation” (2025) at 16, online (PDF, 18.88 MB): <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0122/8124/9892/files/Jumpstart_State_of_Youth_Sport_in_Canada_combined_report_English_Canada.pdf?v=1768845514>.

Return to footnote 700 referrer

Footnote 701

Jumpstart, “Jumpstart Cost and Barriers to Sports Participation Study” (October 2025) at 8, online (PDF, 18.88 MB): <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0122/8124/9892/files/Jumpstart_Cost_and_Barries_to_Sports_Participation_Study_English_Canada.pdf?v=1768837815>.

Return to footnote 701 referrer

Footnote 702

Jumpstart, “Jumpstart State of Sport Report” (April 2023) at 10, online (PDF, 18.88 MB): <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0122/8124/9892/files/Jumpstart_State_of_Sport_Report_April_2023_ENG_-_DIGITAL_1_FINAL-s.pdf?v=1695245659>.

Return to footnote 702 referrer

Footnote 703

Return to footnote 703 referrer

Footnote 704

KidSport Canada, “What We Do” (last visited October 2025), online: <https://kidsportcanada.ca/what-we-do/>.

Return to footnote 704 referrer

Footnote 705

See MLSE Foundation, “Change the Game Research: Growing the Game Means Changing the Game” (January 2024) at 9, online (PDF, 3.88 MB): <https://ssl.mlse.digital/foundation/MLSE-Foundation-Change-the-Game-Research-Report-2024.pdf>.

Return to footnote 705 referrer

Footnote 706

Government of Canada, “Children’s Fitness Tax Credit” (last modified September 2, 2020), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/programs/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/federal-government-budgets/childrens-fitness-tax-credit.html>.

Return to footnote 706 referrer

Footnote 707

Department of Finance Canada, “Archived — Report on Federal Tax Expenditures — Concepts, Estimates and Evaluations 2017: part 9” (2017), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/services/publications/federal-tax-expenditures/2017/part-9.html>.

Return to footnote 707 referrer

Footnote 708

See Government of Canada, “Yukon Tax Information for 2024” (last visited October 2025), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/tax-packages-years/general-income-tax-benefit-package/yukon/5011-pc.html#h-1>; Government of Canada, “Manitoba Tax Information for 2024”, (last visited October 2025), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/tax-packages-years/general-income-tax-benefit-package/manitoba/5007-pc.html>; Revenu Québec, “Tax Credit for Children’s Activities” (last visited October 2025), online: <https://www.revenuquebec.ca/en/citizens/tax-credits/tax-credit-for-childrens-activities/>; Newfoundland & Labrador, “Physical Activity Tax Credit” (last visited October 2025), online: <https://www.gov.nl.ca/fin/tax-programs-incentives/personal/physical-activity-tax-credit/#:~:text=The%20Physical%20Activity%20Tax%20Credit,local%20health%20and%20wellness%20industry>.

Return to footnote 708 referrer

Footnote 709

Ekos Research Associates, 2023 Status of the High-Performance Athlete (Gatineau: Ekos Research Associates, 2024), online (PDF, 17.8 MB) at at 51, 53: <https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2024/pch/CH24-50-2024-eng.pdf>.

Return to footnote 709 referrer

Footnote 710

Leger Marketing Inc. Survey on Ethics, Equity and Safety in Sport — General Population, National Sport Organizations (NSO) and Athletes (Gatineau: Leger Marketing Inc., 2024), online (PDF, 5.43 MB): <https://epe.bac-lac.gc.ca/100/200/301/pwgsc-tpsgc/por-ef/canadian_heritage/2024/107-23-e/POR107-23-report.pdf?nodisclaimer=1>.

Return to footnote 710 referrer

Footnote 711

Government of Canada, “Athlete Assistance Program” (last modified December 30, 2024), online: <www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/athlete-assistance.html>.

Return to footnote 711 referrer

Footnote 712

See, for example, Mouaad El Yaakabi, “Des athlètes se tournent vers GoFundMe pour aller aux Olympiques” (June 30, 2024), online [in French only] : <https://ici.radio-canada.ca/jeux-olympiques/nouvelle/2081359/athlete-olympique-financement-commandite-paris>.

Return to footnote 712 referrer

Footnote 713

See, for example, Solutions Research Group Consultants Inc., “Canadian Youth Sports Rebound After Pandemic Disruptions, but Rising Costs Raise Concerns about Affordability” (June 26, 2023), online: <https://www.srgnet.com/2023/06/26/canadian-youth-sports-rebound-after-pandemic-disruptions-but-rising-costs-raise-concerns-about-affordability/>.

Return to footnote 713 referrer

Footnote 714

John C Spence, Amie Mangan & Allison Sivak, “Effectiveness of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit: A Scoping Review” (2024) 115:2 Can J of Public Health 356 at 362, online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11027750/pdf/41997_2024_Article_861.pdf>. See also Aaron M Gamino, “How Do Fitness Tax Credits Affect Children’s Physical Activity Levels? Evidence from Canada” (2024) 72:3 Cad Tax J 577, online: <https://doi.org/10.32721/ctj.2024.72.3.gamino>. See also Department of Finance Canada, “Archived — Report on Federal Tax Expenditures — Concepts, Estimates and Evaluations 2017: part 9” (2017), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/services/publications/federal-tax-expenditures/2017/part-9.html>.

Return to footnote 714 referrer

Footnote 715

Statistics Canada, “Percentage of publicly owned culture, recreation and sport facilities which allow accessibility, by urban, rural, and by population size, Infrastructure Canada inactive” (last modified November 22, 2025), online: <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3410019101&cubeTimeFrame.startYear=2016&cubeTimeFrame.endYear=2020&referencePeriods=20160101%2C20200101>; Government of Canada, “Canadian Sport Policy 2025-2035” (2025), online (PDF, 17.1 MB): <https://csp.sirc.ca/uploads/images/files/EN/Canadian-Sport-Policy-2025-2035-EN-FINAL.pdf>.

Return to footnote 715 referrer

Footnote 716

Statistics Canada, “New Construction of Culture, Recreation and Sports Infrastructure Doubles in Rural Municipalities in 2017 and 2018” (December 18, 2020), online: <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/201218/dq201218b-eng.htm>.

Return to footnote 716 referrer

Footnote 717

Statistics Canada, “Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey: Culture, Recreations and Sports Facilities, and Public Social and Affordable Housing, 2020” (September 27, 2022), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/daily-quotidien/220927/dq220927a-eng.pdf?st=IzqfJUaB>.

Return to footnote 717 referrer

Footnote 718

Teddy Katz, “Canadian Aquatic Facility Crisis May Make Finding the Next Summer McIntosh a Challenge” (August 6, 2025), online: <https://olympic.ca/2025/08/06/canadian-aquatic-facility-crisis-may-make-finding-the-next-summer-mcintosh-a-challenge/>.

Return to footnote 718 referrer

Footnote 719

See Amélie Keysner-Verrault et al, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Organizations, translated by Catriona Leblanc (Québec: Presses de l’Université Laval, 2024) at 24, online (PDF, 4.17 MB): <https://www.pulaval.com/libreacces/9782763758442.pdf>.

Return to footnote 719 referrer

Footnote 720

See Government of Canada, “Canadian Sport Policy 2025-2035” (2025) at 13, online (PDF, 17.1 MB): <https://csp.sirc.ca/uploads/images/files/EN/Canadian-Sport-Policy-2025-2035-EN-FINAL.pdf>.

Return to footnote 720 referrer

Footnote 721

Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, “Facilities and Equipment for Sport Participation” (last visited October 2025), online: <https://cflri.ca/publication/facilities-and-equipment-for-sport-participation/>.

Return to footnote 721 referrer

Footnote 722

Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, “Facilities and Equipment for Sport Participation” (2021-2022), online (PDF, 1.1 MB): <https://cflri.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CFLRI_Summary-3-Facilities-and-Equipment.pdf>.

Return to footnote 722 referrer

Footnote 723

“Canadian Infrastructure Report Card 2019” (2019) at 24, online (PDF, 1.33 MB): <http://canadianinfrastructure.ca/downloads/canadian-infrastructure-report-card-2019.pdf>.

Return to footnote 723 referrer

Footnote 724

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, “Canadian Parks, Recreation and Sport Infrastructure Database” (last visited October 2025), online: <https://www.cpra.ca/infrastructure_database>.

Return to footnote 724 referrer

Footnote 725

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, “Canadian Parks, Recreation, and Sport Infrastructure Database” (2024), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://assets.nationbuilder.com/cpra/pages/1697/attachments/original/1720730331/National_Infrastructure_Database_%28CPRA%29_Brochure_CAN_2024.pdf?1720730331>.

Return to footnote 725 referrer

Footnote 726

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, “Unlocking the Power of the Infrastructure Database” (April 30, 2025), online: <https://www.cpra.ca/unlocking_the_power_of_the_infrastructure_database>.

Return to footnote 726 referrer

Footnote 727

Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat, New Release, 831-575, “Key Highlights of the 2025 Conference of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation” (August 9, 2025), online: <https://scics.ca/en/product-produit/key-highlights-of-the-2025-conference-of-federal-provincial-and-territorial-ministers-responsible-for-sport-physical-activity-and-recreation/>. Quebec did not oppose the priorities proposed by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments in the area of sport, but it will limit its participation to the sharing of information and best practices.

Return to footnote 727 referrer

Footnote 728

See, for example, Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CLFRI) and Canadian Paris and Recreation Association (CPRA), The Price of Inactivity: Measuring the Powerful Impact of Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in Canada (2023) at 16, online (PDF, 3.27 MB): <https://measuring-impact.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CFLRI-CPRA_Price-Inactivity-Full-Report-EN-FINAL.pdf>.

Return to footnote 728 referrer

Footnote 729

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, “The Canada Community-Building Fund” (last modified November 27, 2024), online: <https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/ccbf-fdcc/index-eng.html>.

Return to footnote 729 referrer

Footnote 730

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, “Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program” (last modified January 9, 2025), online: <https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/icp-pic-INFC-eng.html>.

Return to footnote 730 referrer

Footnote 731

See for example Government of Canada, “Overview of Indigenous Community Infrastructure Investment” (last modified September 16, 2025), online: <https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1526995988708/1526996020578#sec11>; Government of Canada, “First Nation Infrastructure Fund Guide” (last modified December 19, 2024), online: <https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1497275878022/1533645265362>.

Return to footnote 731 referrer

Footnote 732

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, “Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance in Advance of the 2025 Fall Budget” (2025), online (PDF, 4.16 MB): <https://assets.nationbuilder.com/cpra/pages/2357/attachments/original/1754582659/Fall_2025_Pre-Budget_Submission_%281%29.pdf?1754582659>.

Return to footnote 732 referrer

Footnote 733

Government of Canada, “Federal Policy for Hosting International Sport Events” (January 1, 2008), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/sport-policies-acts-regulations/policy-hosting-international-sport-events.html>.

Return to footnote 733 referrer

Footnote 734

Jumpstart, “Jumpstart State of Play Youth Report” (April 2024) at 36, online (PDF, 10.15 MB): <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0122/8124/9892/files/State-of-Play-2024-EN.pdf?v=1713368242>.

Return to footnote 734 referrer

Footnote 735

Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation, “New Release — Ministers Call for Action to Increase Opportunities in Canadian Communities Through a Designated National Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Infrastructure Program” (September 8, 2006), online: <https://scics.ca/en/product-produit/news-release-ministers-call-for-action-to-increase-opportunities-in-canadian-communities-through-a-designated-national-sport-physical-activity-and-recreation-infrastructure-program/>.

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Footnote 736

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Footnote 737

Canadian Heritage, “Grouped Evaluation of Sport Canada Programs 2015–16 to 2019–20" (October 21, 2021), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/corporate/publications/evaluations/grouped-evaluation-sport-canada-program.html#a5e>.

Return to footnote 737 referrer

Footnote 738

House of Commons, Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Budget, Report of the Standing Committee on Finance, (December 2024) (Peter Fonseca) at 38, online (PDF, 4.61 MB): <www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/441/FINA/Reports/RP13466781/finarp21/finarp21-e.pdf>.

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Footnote 739

See, for example, Amélie Keysner-Verrault et al, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Organizations, translated by Catriona Leblanc (Québec: Presses de l’Université Laval, 2024) at 12, online (PDF, 4.33 MB): <https://www.pulaval.com/libreacces/9782763758442.pdf>; Ornella Nzindukiyimana & Eileen O’Connor, “Let’s (Not) Meet at the Pool: A Black Canadian Social History of Swimming (1900s–1960s)” (2019) 42:1 Society and Leisure 137 at 140-141, online: <https://doi.org/10.1080/07053436.2019.1582920>.

Return to footnote 739 referrer

Footnote 740

See Amélie Keysner-Verrault et al, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Organizations, translated by Catriona Leblanc (Québec: Presses de l’Université Laval, 2024) at 12, online (PDF, 4.33 MB): <https://www.pulaval.com/libreacces/9782763758442.pdf>.

Return to footnote 740 referrer

Footnote 741

See Amélie Keysner-Verrault et al, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Organizations, translated by Catriona Leblanc (Québec: Presses de l’Université Laval, 2024) at 11-12, online (PDF, 4.33 MB): <https://www.pulaval.com/libreacces/9782763758442.pdf>.

Return to footnote 741 referrer

Footnote 742

Canadian Women and Sport, “Rally Report 2024: A Call to Reimagine Sport So All Girls Can Play” (2024) at 8, online (pdf): <https://womenandsport.ca/the-rally-report-2024>.

Return to footnote 742 referrer

Footnote 743

See Amélie Keysner-Verrault et al, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Organizations, translated by Catriona Leblanc (Québec: Presses de l’Université Laval, 2024) at 16, online (PDF, 4.33 MB): <https://www.pulaval.com/libreacces/9782763758442.pdf>.

Return to footnote 743 referrer

Footnote 744

Canadian Women & Sport, “How We Help” (last visited November 2025), online: <https://womenandsport.ca/how-we-help>.

Return to footnote 744 referrer

Footnote 745

See Government of Canada, “Stream Three — Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities” (last modified December 19, 2025), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/sport-support/stream-three.html>.

Return to footnote 745 referrer

Footnote 746

Canadian Women and Sport, “Rally Report 2022: A Call for Better, Safe Sport for Girls” (2022) at 11, online (PDF, 4.78 MB): <https://womenandsport.ca/resource/the-rally-report-2022>.

Return to footnote 746 referrer

Footnote 747

Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, “Power of Sport: The True Sport Report 2022” (2022) at 36, online (PDF, 4.78 MB): <https://cces.ca/sites/default/files/content/docs/2024-01/cces-true-sport-report-2022-acc-en.pdf>.

Return to footnote 747 referrer

Footnote 748

See Government of Canada, “Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability” (2006), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/sport-policies-acts-regulations/policy-persons-with-disability.html>.

Return to footnote 748 referrer

Footnote 749

Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, “Power of Sport: The True Sport Report 2022” (2022) at 35, online (PDF, 4.78 MB): <https://cces.ca/sites/default/files/content/docs/2024-01/cces-true-sport-report-2022-acc-en.pdf>.

Return to footnote 749 referrer

Footnote 750

Canadian Paralympic Committee, “About the CPC” (last visited November 2025), online: <https://paralympic.ca/about/overview/>; Canadian Paralympic Committee, “Canadian Paralympic Committee Unveils Strategic Evolution to Break Down Systemic Barriers Through “Power of Para Sport” (October 2, 2025), online: <https://paralympic.ca/news/canadian-paralympic-committee-unveils-strategic-evolution-to-break-down-systemic-barriers-through-power-of-para-sport/>.

Return to footnote 750 referrer

Footnote 751

Canadian Paralympic Committee, “Igniting Opportunity: The Impact of the Paralympic Sport Development Fund” (July 25, 2025), online: <https://paralympic.ca/news/igniting-opportunity-the-impact-of-the-paralympic-sport-development-fund/>.

Return to footnote 751 referrer

Footnote 752

See for example, Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability, “A New Municipal Guide” (last visited November 2025), online: <https://activeabilities.ca/municipal-guide/>; Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, “Investing in Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation: How to Influence Decision-Makers” (last visited November 2025), online: <https://learning.cflri.ca/courses/influencing-decision-makers/>.

Return to footnote 752 referrer

Footnote 753

Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability, “Strategic Plan 2025-2030” (last visited November 2025), online: <https://ala.ca/about-us/strategic-plan-2025-30/>.

Return to footnote 753 referrer

Footnote 754

Statistics Canada, “Discrimination and racism in sports in Canada” (March 4, 2024), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/daily-quotidien/240304/dq240304a-eng.pdf?st=iXMxMtBo>.

Return to footnote 754 referrer

Footnote 755

Return to footnote 755 referrer

Footnote 756

MLSE Foundation, “Change the Game Research: A Study Focused on Youth Sport Access, Engagement, and Equity Factors in the Wake of the Pandemic” (July 2021), online (PDF, 2.85 MB): <https://assets.website-files.com/5eb9ca182f6df037590c28ea/60f5a049b617f857b0d14be4_Change%20The%20Game%20Research_FINAL.pdf>.

Return to footnote 756 referrer

Footnote 757

MLSE Foundation, “Change the Game Research - 2.0: Change the Culture, Change the Game” (2022) at 5, online (PDF, 6.21 MB): <https://assets.website-files.com/5eb9ca182f6df037590c28ea/63596fa30b922c12b8c65818_ChangeTheGame2.0_Report_ReducedSize1.pdf>.

Return to footnote 757 referrer

Footnote 758

Statistics Canada, Unfair Treatment, Racism and Discrimination in Community Sports in Canada, by Andrew Canning, in Insights on Canadian Society, Catalogue No 75-006-X (Ottawa: Statistics Canada, March 10, 2025), online (PDF, 1.1 MB): <https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/75-006-x/2025001/article/00004-eng.pdf?st=heHoY5o3>; J Joseph, AI McKenzie, & S Brown, IDEAS Research Lab (University of Toronto), “Coaching Association of Canada Anti-Racism in Sport Coaching Literature Review” (2021), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://coach.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2024-07/ideas-research-lab-anti-racism-in-sport-literature-review---october-31-2021.pdf>.

Return to footnote 758 referrer

Footnote 759

Jumpstart, “State of Youth Sport in Canada: The Value and Cost of Participation” (2025) at 14, online (PDF, 17.05 MB): <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0122/8124/9892/files/Jumpstart_State_of_Youth_Sport_in_Canada_combined_report_English_Canada.pdf?v=1768845514>.

Return to footnote 759 referrer

Footnote 760

IDEAS Research Lab, “Are We One? The Ontario University Athletics Anti-Racism Report” (2021), online (PDF, 24.87 MB): <https://kpe.utoronto.ca/sites/default/files/oua_anti-racism_report-final.pdf>.

Return to footnote 760 referrer

Footnote 761

Return to footnote 761 referrer

Footnote 762

Coaching Association of Canada, “Anti-racism in Coaching eLearning Module Now Available” (May 10, 2022), online: <https://coach.ca/news/anti-racism-coaching-elearning-module-now-available>; Coaching Association of Canada, “Anti-racism in Coaching” (last visited July 2025), online: <https://coach.ca/module/anti-racism-coaching>.

Return to footnote 762 referrer

Footnote 763

Anti-Racism in Sport, “Training” (last visited July 2025), online: <https://antiracisminsport.ca/training/>.

Return to footnote 763 referrer

Footnote 764

Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network, “Play Fair: An Anti-Racism in Sports Toolkit” (last visited October 2025), online: <https://inclusionincanadiansports.ca/icsnplayfairtoolkit/>; SIRC, “Official Launch of the Play Fair: Anti-Racism in Sport Toolkit and Kickoff Lunch & Learn Series” (September 27, 2024), online: <https://sirc.ca/news/official-launch-of-the-play-fair-anti-racism-in-sport-toolkit-and-kickoff-of-lunch-learn-series/>.

Return to footnote 764 referrer

Footnote 765

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Footnote 766

Government of Canada, “Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Participation in Sport” (last modified July 23, 2025), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/sport-participation.html>.

Return to footnote 766 referrer

Footnote 767

Government of Canada, “Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028" (last modified October 1, 2024), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/combatting-racism-discrimination/canada-anti-racism-strategy.html#a4>.

Return to footnote 767 referrer

Footnote 768

Yuka Nakamura, “Beyond the Hijab: Female Muslims and Physical Activity” (2022) 11:2 Women Sport Physical Activity J 21. See Playing for Change: The Continuing Struggle for Sport and Recreation (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2025) online: <https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3138/j.ctt21kk0bt>.

Return to footnote 768 referrer

Footnote 769

Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, “Power of Sport: The True Sport Report 2022” (2022) at 34, online (PDF, 4.78 MB): <https://cces.ca/sites/default/files/content/docs/2024-01/cces-true-sport-report-2022-acc-en.pdf>.

Return to footnote 769 referrer

Footnote 770

See Sport for Life, “Overcoming Barriers: How Canadian Organizations Are Addressing Challenges for New to Canada Participants” (last visited July 2025), online: <https://sportforlife.ca/blog/overcoming-barriers-how-canadian-organizations-are-addressing-challenges-for-new-to-canada-participants/>; Sport for Life,”Sport for Life for Every New To Canada Participant 2.1” (2024) at 9, online (PDF, 26.97 MB): <https://sportforlife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/For-Every-New-to-Canada-Participant-2.1-EN-WEB.pdf>.

Return to footnote 770 referrer

Footnote 771

ParticipACTION,”Engaging Newcomers to Canada in Physical Activity Programming: Research Report” (2024), online (PDF, 1.56 MB): <https://www.participaction.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Engaging-Newcomers-in-Physical-Activity_Research-Report.pdf>.

Return to footnote 771 referrer

Footnote 772

Sport for Life,”Sport for Life for Every New To Canada Participant 2.1” (2024), online (PDF, 26.97 MB): <https://sportforlife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/For-Every-New-to-Canada-Participant-2.1-EN-WEB.pdf>.

Return to footnote 772 referrer

Footnote 773

See, for example, Sport for Life,”Overcoming Barriers: How Canadian Organizations Are Addressing Challenges for New to Canada Participants” (last visited July 2025), online: <https://sportforlife.ca/blog/overcoming-barriers-how-canadian-organizations-are-addressing-challenges-for-new-to-canada-participants/>.

Return to footnote 773 referrer

Footnote 774

See Sport for Life, "Sport for Life for Every New to Canada Participant 2.1” (2024), online (PDF, 26.97 MB): <https://sportforlife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/For-Every-New-to-Canada-Participant-2.1-EN-WEB.pdf>.

Return to footnote 774 referrer

Footnote 775

Sport for Life,”Sport for Life for Every New To Canada Participant 2.1” (2024) at 29, online (PDF, 26.97 MB): <https://sportforlife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/For-Every-New-to-Canada-Participant-2.1-EN-WEB.pdf>.

Return to footnote 775 referrer

Footnote 776

Sport for Life, “Overcoming Barriers: How Canadian Organizations Are Addressing Challenges for New to Canada Participants” (last visited July 2025), online: <https://sportforlife.ca/blog/overcoming-barriers-how-canadian-organizations-are-addressing-challenges-for-new-to-canada-participants/>.

Return to footnote 776 referrer

Footnote 777

See for example Egale, “2SLGBTQI Sports Inclusion: Playbook to breaking down barriers” (last visited July 2025), online (pdf): <https://egale.ca/awareness/sports-inclusion-playbook/>.

Return to footnote 777 referrer

Footnote 778

Egale, “Sport Inclusion in Canada: Literature Review” (September 2020) at 9, online (pdf): <https://egale.ca/awareness/sports-inclusion/>.

Return to footnote 778 referrer

Footnote 779

Yetsa A Tuakli-Wosornu et al, “IOC Consensus Statement: Interpersonal Violence and Safeguarding in Sport” (2024) 58:1 J Sports Med 1322, online (PDF, 6.16 MB): <https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/58/22/1322.full.pdf>.

Return to footnote 779 referrer

Footnote 780

Egale, “Sport Inclusion in Canada: Literature Review” (September 2020) at 9, online: <https://egale.ca/awareness/sports-inclusion/>.

Return to footnote 780 referrer

Footnote 781

Guylaine Demers, “Sports Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Athletes” (2017) SIRC, online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://sirc.ca/wp-content/uploads/files/content/docs/scri/g_demers_kt_en.pdf>.

Return to footnote 781 referrer

Footnote 782

See, for example, SIRC, “Let’s Talk Inclusion: Key Considerations for the Inclusion of 2SLGBTQI+ Athletes” (June 26, 2024), online: <https://sirc.ca/articles/lets-talk-inclusion-key-considerations-for-the-inclusion-of-2slgbtqi-athletes/>.

Return to footnote 782 referrer

Footnote 783

See Egale Canada, “2SLGBTQI Sports Inclusion: Playbook to Breaking Down Barriers” (last visited July 2025), online: <https://egale.ca/awareness/sports-inclusion-playbook/>.

Return to footnote 783 referrer

Footnote 784

See Egale, “2SLGBTQI Sport Leagues and Clubs in Canada” (last visited October 2025), online: <https://egale.ca/awareness/2slgbtqi-sport-leagues-and-clubs-in-canada/>.

Return to footnote 784 referrer

Footnote 785

viaSport, “Inclusion in Sport Coaching Resource” (2023), online (PDF, 1.1 MB): <https://viasport.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/LGBTQI2S_Inclusion_in_Sport_Coaching_Resource_05-26.pdf>.

Return to footnote 785 referrer

Footnote 786

See, for example, Frontrunners Ottawa, “FrontRunners Ottawa” (last visited November 2025), online: <https://www.ottawafrontrunners.org/en/home/>; ParticipACTION, “Breaking down barriers to sport and physical activity for 2SLGBTQQIA+ people” (June 20, 2023), online:<https://www.participaction.com/blog/inclusion/physical-activity-for-2slgbtqqia/>.

Return to footnote 786 referrer

Footnote 787

British Columbia’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner defines gender policing as “the act of imposing or enforcing normative gender expressions on an individual who is perceived as not adequately performing these via their appearance or behavior, the sex that was assigned to them at birth” (British Columbia’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, “Glossary Term: Gender Policing” (last visited November 2025), online: <https://bchumanrights.ca/glossary/gender-policing/>).

Return to footnote 787 referrer

Footnote 788

See Nora McRae, Audrey Gilles & Lyndsay Hayhurst, “Safe Sport for Whom? Are National Sport Organisations Addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action for Sport through Safe Sport Policies?” (2024) 16:2 Intl J of Sport Policy & Politics 235 at 237, online: <https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2024.2323006>.

Return to footnote 788 referrer

Footnote 789

House of Commons, Safe Sport in Canada: Report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (June 2024) (Chair: the Honourable Hedy Fry) at 59, online: <www.ourcommons.ca/documentviewer/en/44-1/CHPC/report-12>.

Return to footnote 789 referrer

Footnote 790

Government of Canada, “Community Sport for All Initiative - Sport Support Program” (last modified October 22, 2025), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/sport-support/community-sport-initiative.html>; Government of Canada, “Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund” (last modified May 10, 2024), online: <https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/programs/healthy-canadians-communities-fund.html>.

Return to footnote 790 referrer

Footnote 791

Danielle Peers et al, “An Intersectional Foucauldian Analysis of Canadian National Sport Organisations’ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policies and the Reinscribing of Injustice” (2023) 15:2 Int J Sport Policy and Politics 194 at 194, online: <https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2023.2183975>.

Return to footnote 791 referrer

Footnote 792

UK Sports Institute, “Equality, Diversity And Inclusion Strategy” (2024), online (PDF, 1 MB): <https://uksportsinstitute.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/UKSI-EDI-Strategy.pdf>.

Return to footnote 792 referrer

Footnote 793

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Footnote 794

House of Commons, Time to Listen to Survivors: Taking Action Towards Creating a Safe Sport Environment for All Athletes in Canada (June 2023) (Chair: Karen Vecchio) at 59, online (PDF, 3.03 MB): <www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/441/FEWO/Reports/RP12528102/feworp07/feworp07-e.pdf>.

Return to footnote 794 referrer

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2026-03-24