The Canadian government has recently announced that they will be investing $5 million towards achieving sustainable culture change in Canadian sports. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, Steven Guilbeault, has outlined a detailed plan on how this investment will be used to address issues of harassment, abuse, and discrimination in the sports industry.
One of the key components of this plan is the creation of a national code of conduct for sport in Canada. This code will establish clear guidelines for athletes, coaches, and other members of the sports community on what is expected of them in terms of behavior and conduct. It will also outline the consequences for those who violate these guidelines, including sanctions and penalties.
Another important aspect of the plan is the establishment of a national independent body to investigate complaints of harassment, abuse, and discrimination in the sports industry. This body will be responsible for investigating allegations and ensuring that appropriate action is taken to address any wrongdoing. It will also provide support and resources to those who have experienced harassment, abuse, or discrimination.
The plan also includes measures to improve education and training for athletes, coaches, and other members of the sports community. This will include training on topics such as diversity and inclusion, mental health, and safe sport practices. By providing education and training, the hope is that individuals will be better equipped to recognize and address issues of harassment, abuse, and discrimination in the sports industry.
In addition to these measures, the plan also includes funding for research into the prevalence and impact of harassment, abuse, and discrimination in Canadian sports. This research will help to inform future policies and initiatives aimed at addressing these issues.
Overall, the Minister’s plan for achieving sustainable culture change in Canadian sports is a comprehensive and much-needed initiative. By establishing clear guidelines for behavior and conduct, creating an independent body to investigate complaints, improving education and training, and funding research, the hope is that the sports industry in Canada will become a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
