The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) is mourning the passing of Joseph de Pencier.

Joseph was a giant in the field of anti-doping, both in Canada and globally. His contributions to the CCES were foundational: he helped establish one of the world’s first anti-doping agencies by implementing the numerous recommendations laid out in the Dubin Inquiry report. Joseph again joined the CCES in the early 2000s as General Counsel and Director of Anti-Doping. He led the development of the first version of the World Anti-Doping Code-compliant program in Canada and the CCES partnership with VANOC for anti-doping services for the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

Through his many international roles, Joseph helped raise the bar around the world. He was the founding CEO of the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations (iNADO), and supported the work of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), among others.

“Joseph will always be remembered for his leadership and passion for doping-free sport, but even more so for the positive impact he had on his colleagues, both at the CCES and around the world. He was a kind, generous, and supportive colleague to everyone. He led with humour and spirit, and his sudden absence is a significant loss for the entire anti-doping community,” said Jeremy Luke, CEO and President of the CCES.

The CCES extends it condolences to the de Pencier family and to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.