Kingston, December 16, 2022 – 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 www.abuse-free-sport.ca and more specifically on the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) at www.sportintegritycommissioner.ca.

About Sail Canada
Established in 1931, Sail Canada is the national governing body for the sport of sailing in the country. Sail Canada is a leading international sailing nation, proud of its world class athletes, lifelong participants and inclusive culture. The organization and its members are committed to excellence by developing and training its leaders, athletes, sailors, instructors, coaches and officials. With the valued support from our partners, the Provincial Sailing Associations and our member clubs, schools, organizations and stakeholders, sailing is promoted in all its forms. By setting standards and delivering programs from home pond to podium for Canadians of all ages and abilities, from dinghies to keelboats, cruising to navigation, windsurfing to powerboating and accessible sailing, Sail Canada sets sail for all, sail to win and sail for life.

A sport in the Olympic program since the first Games in 1896, except in 1904, the pursuit of success in these Games is what fuels the focus of Sail Canada as Canadian athletes have so far achieved nine Olympic and five Paralympic medals.

– 30 –

Information: 
Patrick Godbout
Communications Manager
Sail Canada
Email: patrick@sailing.ca
Phone: 514-213-9897