Sail Canada joins Abuse-Free Sport

Sail Canada joins Abuse-Free Sport © Sail Canada

Sail Canada will join Abuse-Free Sport following the official signing of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) agreement with the new independent agency to prevent and address maltreatment in sport, which will come into effect no later than March 1, 2023, following a transition period.

With this agreement, Sail Canada's National volunteers, officials and staff, as well as certified and registered coaches and instructors, will have access to the services of OSIC, which serves as the central hub for Abuse-Free Sport.

"Safety for all - including safe sport - is one of Sail Canada's fundamental values and we are looking forward to partnering with Abuse-Free Sport and utilizing their expertise and resources in order to work together to ensure that sailing continues to be a safe and inclusive environment as well as an enjoyable sport for all Canadians", said Sail Canada Chief Executive Officer, Don Adams. "Throughout the transition period, we will be communicating and working with the sailing community to support a safe and positive environment for all sailors in the country."

Sail Canada has adopted the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) as part of the Abuse-Free Sport program. The organization also adopted a new Safe Sport Policy Package that includes a Code of Conduct, Protection Policy, Whistleblower Policy, Social Media Policy, Screening Policy towards prevention as well as a Discipline & Complaints Policy, Appeals Policy and Dispute Resolution Policy. These policies and resources for the community are available in the Safe Sport section that can be found on our website at www.sailing.ca/safe-sport.

Throughout the transition period, Sail Canada will continue to work with its Independent Third Party for any concerns. Information on how to contact them is available at www.sailing.ca/safe-sport.

Over the next few weeks, more information will be shared with stakeholders, including how this agreement impacts them, as well as any changes that may be required.

More information on Abuse-Free Sport can be found at abuse-free-sport.ca and more specifically on the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) at sportintegritycommissioner.ca.