AthletesCAN, COC AC, CPC AC release joint statement following meeting with Minister St-Onge

Announce Canadian Athlete Assembly
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TORONTO / OTTAWA – AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, the Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission (COC AC) and the Canadian Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council (CPC AC) want to thank Minister Pascale St-Onge for recently meeting with our joint leadership. 

On behalf of all national team athletes from coast-to-coast, we commend the Federal Government for its investment in sport safety in last week’s budget, and its commitment to listen to and address the lived experiences that our members have endured. 

We are all united in calling for governance reform, meaningful athlete representation both on National Sport Organization (NSO) Boards and in the implementation and effective operation of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada’s (SDRCC) independent safe sport mechanism. We are also asking for increased accountability, and the addressing of policies and funding structures that have led to the circumstances we find ourselves in today.  

This is the first step in repairing this crisis and changing the fundamental culture that exists within the Canadian sport system. We look forward to working with the Minister and her team to ensure all athlete voices are prioritized and heard, and building together a healthier, more welcoming sport environment for all athletes across the country for years to come. 

Following last week’s meeting, AthletesCAN, the COC AC and CPC AC have partnered together to hold a National Assembly. The Canadian Athlete Assembly will take place on Thursday, Apr. 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT in response to the growing concerns surrounding safe sport in Canada and provide an update to all members in attendance on recent developments. 

National Team athletes are encouraged to check their email or contact AthletesCAN, the COC AC or CPC AC for further details regarding the event.