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Skate Canada launches enhanced National Safe Sport Program

OTTAWA, ON: To further support our vision of inspiring all Canadians to embrace the joy of skating,

Skate Canada is proud to introduce the enhanced National Safe Sport Program with updated policies and procedures to improve safety within our community.

“Skate Canada’s commitment to safe sport involves everyone in our community to embed the safety and welfare of all individuals into the culture of skating,” said Debra Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer, Skate Canada. “The National Safe Sport Program is designed to enhance the safety of all individuals participating in skating on and off the ice.”

“Being a leading safe sport organization involves having robust policies and procedures, but also requires deliberate action, which includes a proactive approach to education and a thorough reporting system. Today, our program is now better suited to achieve these items. As a community, we can provide an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to reach their full potential and our improved National Safe Sport Program is another step in that direction.”

The National Safe Sport Program establishes the framework, policies and procedures governing the reasonable and appropriate measures to optimize the prevention and management of misconduct, incidents of injury and general disputes. The policies and procedures include:

The National Safe Sport Program and its supporting polices and procedures take effect immediately.

Therefore, the Membership Complaints, Investigation and Hearing Policy, Membership Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Procedure, Membership Complaints Policy, Section Dispute Resolution Policy, and Club Dispute Resolution Policy will all be retired effective immediately.

As part of the National Safe Sport Program, all matters related to misconduct will be managed by Skate-Safe.ca, a misconduct reporting system that is operated by IntegrityCounts a third-party service provider. Reports received through Skate-Safe.ca are submitted to an independent external Case Manager to ensure an independent review, investigation, and disposition. Complaints of misconduct can be submitted online, by telephone or email 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on misconduct reporting please visit Skate-Safe.ca.

Like skating, safety is all about practice. The National Safe Sport Program prepares you for greatness by ensuring safety is a winning part of your routine. For further details on the National Safe Sport Program please visit our website where you can find additional information on the program.