The work of the Research Hub for Gender+ Equity in Sport is more critical than ever as COVID-19 has had a negative and disproportionate impact on girls, women and underrepresented groups.

“The launch of the Research Hub for Gender+ Equity in Sport is an important step in achieving gender equity in Canadian sport. The hub’s work will help create environments where girls and women feel comfortable participating in sport, regardless of their age and level. Congratulations to the University of Toronto, and its partner, Laval University, on being selected to lead this important research centre.”

—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage 

“As a member of the Gender Equity in Sport Working Group, I know how essential it is that girls and women have the same opportunities to participate in all levels of sport, physical activity and recreation. I am pleased to see the research centre officially launch and begin its work to help us identify and break down the barriers that exist between women and all of the benefits of physically active and healthy lifestyles. This important research provides a solid foundation on which we can work with the sport community to build a healthier Canada.”

—Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport)

“Sport Canada’s initiative to establish the Research Hub for Gender+ Equity in Sport represents an important and unique opportunity for researchers and practitioners to work together to advance gender+ equity in sport participation and leadership. Through the production, curation, and sharing of knowledge, the hub will make significant contributions in achieving gender+ equity by 2035.”

— Dr. Gretchen Kerr, Co-Director, E-Alliance, Research Hub for Gender+ Equity in Sport

“I am proud to be part of this adventure alongside my colleagues Gretchen Kerr and Ann Pegoraro. A woman’s place in sport has always been at the heart of my personal and professional commitments, and E-Alliance is a wonderful opportunity to make an even greater contribution in achieving gender+ equity in sport. By investing in the advancement of girls and women in sport, the Government of Canada is confirming its leadership role in this area.”

—Guylaine Demers, Co-Director, E-Alliance, Research Hub for Gender+ Equity in Sport

• The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute also received $1 million to support data collection at the hub.

• The implementation of the Research Hub for Gender+ Equity in Sport is one of the key initiatives designed to help the Government of Canada meet its commitment of achieving gender equity in sport at all levels by 2035. 

• E-Alliance’s website provides Canadians with resources and information to help create environments where women and girls feel comfortable and safe participating in physical activity and sport at all ages and levels. All research results will be published on the website.

• E-Alliance has just launched a call for research proposals. Those interested are invited to write to info@ealliance.ca to get more information.

• According to recent research:

  • 41 percent of girls age 3 to 17 and 84 percent of women do not participate in sport;
  • 41 percent of senior staff of national sport organizations are women;
  • 39 percent of sport board members are women; and
  • 34.9 percent of certified coaches are women, and 30 percent of officials are women.

Associated links

• E-Alliance, Research Hub for Gender+ Equity in Sport
• Sport Canada
• Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute
• Impact of the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak on Movement and Play Behaviours of Canadian Children and Youth: A National Survey
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Women’s Physical Activity Behavior and Mental Well-Being

For more information (media only), please contact:

Camille Gagné-Raynauld
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
camille.gagne@canada.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca