Canadian Paralympic Committee joins Abuse-Free Sport program

The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) has officially become a member of the Abuse-Free Sport program, joining as a fully compliant member as of March 16, 2023. Joining will ensure Paralympians and Para sport participants have a stronger voice in creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments. 

“This national and independent mechanism for addressing and preventing maltreatment in sport will improve our country’s sport culture,” said Erica Gavel, Chair, Canadian Paralympic Athletes’ Council. “I also want to highlight Minister St-Onge’s commitment and follow-through with creating the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) and the Abuse-Free Sport program. These are culture-changers.”

“Abuse-Free Sport will provide the national framework that ensures CPC, along with national and multi-sport organizations, work in the same direction to prioritize safe sport for all Canadians,” said Marc-André Fabien, President, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “We support and are committed to the objectives of Abuse-Free Sport and OSIC.”

“Sport is meant to unify and uplift all participants. Athlete safety, which is foundational to participation, is our number one priority and joining Abuse-Free Sport is a critical step forward,” said Karen O’Neill, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee.

As part of its commitment to Abuse-Free Sport, CPC has adopted the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS). CPC and its stakeholders now have access to the OSIC services, which serves as the central hub of Abuse-Free Sport.

For more information: Abuse-Free Sport program, OSIC, and Paralympic.ca/Safe-Sport.