SDRCC – Montréal (Québec) – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Public Seminar, hosted by the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) under the theme “Pursuing Excellence in Sport Dispute Resolution”, attracted participants from thirteen different countries in a full day of stimulating keynotes, panels and breakout sessions led by twenty-six leading experts in sport and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Held in Vancouver on February 11, 2016, the event culminated with Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, addressing the participants.

It was the first time since its creation in 1984 that the CAS held a seminar in Canada. “We pursued excellence by interacting with and learning from arbitrators and mediators operating in different systems and legal cultures”, declared Michael Lenard, Vice President of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport, in its closing address. “Truly, this was the best seminar I have ever attended”. This international event also provided an occasion for the leaders of the SDRCC and the CAS to explore future potential collaboration between the two organizations.

“Over the last decade and a half, alternate dispute resolution has become a shared language for many in our sport system” said Minister Qualtrough. “Athletes and coaches are now more informed about their rights and obligations, and they know that there is a source of unbiased expertise when they have questions. Through the SDRCC’s efforts, the level of education and engagement has never been greater in regard to issues related to inclusion, integrity and the true values of sport.”

It was also important for the SDRCC that the event serve not only to promote best practices in sport ADR but that it also foster interest among young practitioners in getting involved in this field. Students of law or ADR registered at the seminar had the privilege of participating in a pairing program with SDRCC roster mediators and arbitrators to stimulate networking and mentorship opportunities.  “We are all very pleased with the seminar”, added the Chairman of the SDRCC Board, David de Vlieger. “It was a wonderful experience, and we fully appreciate the opportunity to partner with the CAS to stage this event. We hope it was helpful and informative for all who attended.” 

The CAS seminar constituted the first day of the SDRCC annual mediator and arbitrator conference, which continued the following day with more sessions on timely topics such as the experience of parties through SDRCC proceedings and issues surrounding discrimination, match-fixing and other forms of corruption in sport.

About SDRCC

The SDRCC is a not-for-profit corporation created by federal legislation and funded by the Government of Canada. The mission of the SDRCC is to provide the sport community with a national alternative dispute resolution service and strengthen the culture of fairness in Canadian sport by resolving disputes quickly and efficiently and to provide expertise and assistance regarding alternative dispute resolution. 

For more information, please contact: 

Marie-Claude Asselin

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 1-866-733-7767 

Mobile: (514) 465-7339

mcasselin @ crdsc-sdrcc.ca