FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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July 25, 2024

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Following Soccer Canada's drone scandal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Canadian Collective for Human Rights in Sport continues its call for National Inquiry into Canada's Toxic Sporting Culture"

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News that two staffers on the national women’s soccer team used a drone to spy on New Zealand at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has left many Canadians in disbelief. Both staffers have been sent home, while head coach Bev Priestman finds herself suspended by Soccer Canada after the organization received “additional information” regarding the incident. With the opening ceremonies a day away, the Canadian Collective for Human Rights in Sport (CCHRS) continues its call for a full national inquiry in the nation’s toxic sporting culture.

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On June 19, the Heritage Committee tabled its “Safe Sport Report” in the House of Commons just prior to the summer break. Abuse survivors and advocates for change gave testimony for nearly two years in hearings at the committee. Of all the crucial recommendations made, holding a Public Inquiry that has the power to summon witnesses, require the production of documents and other material deemed necessary to establish a semblance of transparency and justice, and has other powers similar to those of a civil court, was of the highest priority.

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The CCHRS—consisting of academics, researchers, and former athletes and coaches—congratulates the Heritage Committee for its thorough work and urges the Government of Canada to adopt all 21 recommendations, while identifying Recommendation 20, the holding of a Public Inquiry, as its immediate priority. It reads as follows;

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That the Government of Canada launch an independent public inquiry, pursuant to Part I of the Inquiries Act, to understand how existing sport structures have failed to ensure safe sports and led to abuse, discrimination, and maltreatment. (Pg. 7 of Report, Pg. 23 of document posted)

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We request that Minister Qualtrough immediately pause the “Future of Sport Commission.” It lacks all powers under the Inquiries Act, Part 1, as cited by the Heritage Committee. It also contravenes the findings of the report by acting secretively—with no web page, and no way for survivors to make contact, despite being announced eight months ago. Since the Minister announced the Commission members, it remains invisible and even worse, treats survivors as if they are invisible. This violates the spirit of a trauma-informed approach. The Commission of Inquiry needs to create an environment in which survivors of this abuse, and athlete survivors of abuse in all sports, can trust, is confidential, and is based on their needs.

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About the CCHRS: We are a specialized, independent hub to keep Canadians informed about what’s being done (or not) to expand and protect human rights in our sport system. The Collective is based on expertise in law, journalism, advocacy, research and diverse, lived experience throughout the country. Please visit www.rightsinsport.ca to see our ongoing efforts to monitor abuse and maltreatment in Canadian sport.

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Contact: MacIntosh Ross, Chair, and Kim Shore, Vice Chair

rightsinsport@gmail.com