By Canadian Press

Minister of Sport calls findings of CBC report into abuse in sport ‘tragic’

Feb 11, 2019 | 12:25 PM

TORONTO — Calling the findings of a CBC investigation into abuse in amateur sport “tragic and completely unacceptable,” Minister of Sport Kirsty Duncan says she wants “strong commitments from all partners” to move forward with a plan to protect athletes.

The CBC investigation, published Sunday as the first of a three-part series, reported “at least 222 coaches” were convicted of sexual offences from 1998-2018. The report also said 34 other cases of accused coaches are currently before the courts.

In a statement released Monday, Duncan said a meeting will take place this week in Red Deer, Alta., with representatives at the federal, provincial and territorial levels ahead of the 2019 Canada Winter Games, and that ending abuse and harassment in sport will be a top priority.

Duncan also called on Canada’s national sports organizations to speak out against abuse and harassment.

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“There is absolutely no room for denial or delay,” Duncan said. “We need to be transparent and work together on this. Canada’s young people depend on us, and they deserve better.”

Athletics Canada released a statement Monday applauding the CBC’s investigation.

“All members and participants need to trust the sport system with their safety,” the release said. “It should not matter what sport an athlete chooses, safety should be universally understood, expected and applied with no exceptions.”

The Canadian Press