Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Harassment and abuse have no place in Alberta, or in the province’s sport system. Sport is for everyone – no Albertan should remain on the sidelines for fear of maltreatment when playing the sports they love. With a $3-million investment, Alberta’s government is taking meaningful action to ensure every Albertan can participate in sport safely, confidently and with dignity.
In partnership with the Alberta Sport Leadership Association, Alberta’s government is creating a new Safe Sport Strategy that will encourage quality programming in safe sporting environments, empowering Albertans to get off the sidelines and into the game.
Alberta’s government stands firmly with survivors, advocates and civil society organizations to prevent and address maltreatment in sport in all its forms. That’s why Alberta’s new Safe Sport Strategy will create an independent third-party complaint process to support sport organizations in addressing and eliminating harassment and abuse.
“Sport should inspire confidence, not fear. I won’t rest until Albertans know they are safe, seen and valued in every gym, rink and field in the province. Our Safe Sport Strategy is more than a policy – it’s a system rooted in respect, and a promise to every athlete.”
Currently, Alberta’s provincial sport organizations, disability sport and multisport services organizations have various approaches for addressing maltreatment complaints within their organizations. With the launch of the Safe Sport Strategy, Albertans participating in organized sport will receive timely, fair and equitable responses to maltreatment complaints. Engagement with sport organizations will begin in the coming weeks, with the new confidential 24-7 reporting system set to launch by fall 2025.
“Safe sport is not optional – it’s essential. Every athlete deserves to train, compete and grow in an environment free from harm. Alberta Sport Leadership Association is proud to partner with the Government of Alberta to help put respect, safety and accountability at the forefront of sport in our province.”
The Safe Sport Strategy will ensure that as complaints are received, immediate supports are provided and criminal matters are directed to the police. Independent case managers will assess complaints based on sport policies and determine next steps, and sport organizations will receive education, training and resources to encourage safe sporting environments.