Urgent Need for System-Wide Change

The Canadian sport system is broken, fragmented and in its present form, unsustainable, according to a comprehensive report released Tuesday by the Future of Sport in Canada Commission. The commission’s findings highlight a pervasive culture of maltreatment and abuse within a poorly resourced and disorganized system, prompting calls for sweeping reforms.

Key Findings and Recommendations

Led by former Chief Justice Lise Maisonneuve, the commission issued nearly 100 calls to action. These range from immediate increases in funding to the long-term goal of establishing a centralized sport entity to oversee all aspects of sport in Canada.

The report details significant challenges, including:

• Underfunding and governance deficits
• Duplication of efforts among organizations
• Fragmentation and lack of integration of policies and programs
• An unhealthy focus on high-performance outcomes over participant safety and dignity

“As we examined the Canadian sport system, it became very clear that the challenges in Canadian sport are profound — from underfunding and governance deficits, duplication of efforts among organizations, fragmentation and a lack of integration of policies and programs, to an unhealthy focus on high-performance outcomes over participant safety and dignity,”

Justice Lise Maisonneuve

The Call for a New Crown Corporation

To address these systemic issues, the commission proposes the creation of a new Crown corporation. This agency would be responsible for overseeing strategy around physical activity, managing all federal funding for sport, and ensuring compliance with safe sport and governance requirements. The structure is intended to provide distance from political pressures, mirroring successful models in Australia and New Zealand.

Government Response and Next Steps

Secretary of Sport Adam van Koeverden acknowledged the report’s findings and pledged action. We accept the findings and will now carefully review the recommendations and actions that must be taken to strengthen safe sport and improve the sport system at all levels in Canada, he stated. The government plans to develop an implementation plan in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, athletes, and other stakeholders.

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Adam van Koeverden

Background: The Commission’s Origins

The commission’s work began in 2024 following calls for a public inquiry into abuse in sport. Testimony from athletes across various sports revealed widespread instances of mental and physical abuse and maltreatment, exposing failures within the existing system.

FAQ

What is the main issue identified by the commission?

The commission found the Canadian sport system to be broken, fragmented, and unsustainable, with widespread maltreatment and abuse.

What is the proposed solution?

The commission recommends creating a centralized sport entity and a new Crown corporation to oversee sport and physical activity in Canada.

What is the government’s response?

The government has accepted the findings and will develop an implementation plan to address the issues raised in the report.