Canadian Paralympic Athletes’ Council statement on safe sport

Safe sport is an absolutely critical issue for the entire sport system in Canada that must be dealt with now.  

We stand with and for all athletes. We are committed to our community of Paralympians and Para athletes to push for change and to ensure the rights and voices of athletes are at the forefront. We will continue to advocate for having the appropriate mechanism in place for athletes to come forward should they be a victim or witness a breach of safe sport practices in their environment. 

We fully support Minister St-Onge’s leadership on this matter and her commitment to make it mandatory for all NSOs to use the safe sport independent body. We believe the implementation of this mandate must be expedited and urge the Minister to do so. 

Change must happen now, and not just to require the independent system to report abuse or maltreatment, but to create a complete culture of safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments – at all levels of sport. 

Sincerely, 

Canadian Paralympic Athletes’ Council