Former artistic swimmer Sarah-Eve Pelletier has been tasked with overseeing the central hub of Canada’s new safe sport program.
The Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada announced Tuesday that Pelletier will serve as the country’s first sport integrity commissioner, leading the office that will receive complaints about alleged maltreatment in sport.
The office will also launch independent investigations and recommend sanctions against individuals who are found to have committed violations.
Pelletier is a former member of Canada’s artistic swim team and previously worked for the Canadian Olympic Committee. She is also a member of the Quebec Bar and an accredited civil mediator.
The appointment follows recent calls from athletes across the country for more to be done to address abuse and harassment in sports.
More than 300 current and former gymnasts have signed an open letter to Sport Canada calling for an independent investigation into the toxic culture of their sport.
WATCH l Canadian gymnasts demand investigation into abusive practices, toxic culture:
Dozens of Canadian gymnasts have signed an open letter calling for an independent investigation into an ongoing toxic culture and abusive practices at Gymnastics Canada. The way elite sports are funded based on performance is part of the problem, according to one expert who studies abuse in sports. 2:03
A similar letter signed by more than 90 athletes called for the resignation of Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton’s acting CEO and high performance director.
In a statement Tuesday, St-Onge said Pelletier’s selection is a “critical step” in creating a sport system free of harassment, abuse, discrimination and maltreatment.
“We must build an approach that works for and with athletes,” the statement said. “As Minister of Sport, it is my intention to make this independent mechanism mandatory for all federally-funded national sport organizations.”
St-Onge said in the five months since was appointed Sport Minister, allegations of either maltreatment, sexual abuse or misuse of funds have been levelled against at least eight national sport organizations.
WATCH l Athletes describe toxic culture at Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton:
Canadian bobsleigh and skeleton athletes are calling for the resignation of two top officials with Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton following issues with how the organization handled safety concerns and complaints. 2:19
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