Independent Athletics Canada Commissioner Sanctions Evon Buchanan with Lifetime Ban
A complaint concerning Mr. Evon Buchanan was received by the Office of the Commissioner. This complaint has been made by two female athletes. The complaints allege that each athlete, while separately receiving a massage from Evon Buchanan, who was their coach, sexually harassed each athlete. The Independent Investigator has determined that a third female athlete was also sexually harassed by Evon Buchanan.
On Sept. 11, 2020, Commissioner Frank Fowlie determined that the allegations against Mr. Evon Buchanan are of such a serious nature so as to warrant suspension from Athletics Canada, its member branches, and clubs until such times as this complaint procedure is concluded, and the Office of the Commissioner has released a decision.
On Nov. 9, 2020, Commissioner Fowlie and Commissioner Michelle Krech rendered their decision.
Having considered all the documentary evidence presented to him and submissions made on behalf of Mr. Buchanan:
- Mr. Buchanan be expelled from Athletics Canada and all its activities, including involvement with any of its member branches (provinces/territories) and Track & Field Clubs.
Read the full decision here.
A French version of the decision will be available soon.
Athletics Canada views Safe Sport as a right for all participants. Athletics Canada prioritizes maintaining a healthy, safe and secure environment for its athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and employees. Harassment of any kind is incompatible with that environment and is strictly enforced. Athletics Canada has made many changes over the past number of years to strengthen its safe sport policies, including creating the independent Commissioner’s Office in 2015, and most recently tabling new governance and policies including a Whistleblower Policy that will facilitate the reporting of inappropriate behaviours.
Any participant in our sport that feels or sees harassment of any kind is encouraged to contact the independent Commissioner’s Office. Athletics Canada’s Board of Directors vest the Commissioner’s Office to be the autonomous authority in multiple areas of Athletics Canada’s operations, including complaints of violations of Athletics Canada’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.