Federal government announces safe sport funding

OTTAWA — The federal government is giving $5 million to Sport Integrity Canada to continue administering the Canadian Safe Sport Program in 2026-27.

Sport Integrity Canada, formerly the Canadian Centre For Ethics in Sport, has taken over the handling of complaints and reports of abuse and maltreatment in sport from the defunct Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC).

SIC announced Thursday an expansion of the public registry of people sanctioned or provisionally sanctioned in the sport system.

Canada’s Secretary of Sport Adam van Koeverden announced the funding Friday ahead of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission releasing its final report Tuesday.

Another $16 million will go to sport organizations from 2026 to 2028 “to strengthen safety and integrity throughout the sport system.”

The feds have already invested $12 million per year since 2026 in safe sport.

“Our new government is committed to maintaining a safe sport system that is transparent and accountable for everyone involved,” van Koeverden said in a statement.

“Sport participants should have access to safe, welcoming, inclusive and accountable sport environments that uphold public trust. We are investing in independent organizations to deliver on these commitments.

“We all share the goal of advancing a safe, inclusive and resilient sport system.”

Friday’s release said “as we anticipate the release of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s final report, funding stability of Sport Integrity Canada is an essential step towards the Government of Canada’s plan to maintain a safe sport system for Canadians.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2026.