Committee probing abuse in sport must hold athletes, coaches accountable: Liberal MP

Sports are a great entertainment source, but the win-at-all-costs attitude that allows players, coaches or others to behave badly without reproach needs to end, Chris Bittle says.

The House of Commons committee investigating abuse in sport needs to bring in experts to identify the best ways to hold sporting organizations, athletes and coaches accountable for their actions, a Liberal MP is urging.

Chris Bittle, who sits on the heritage committee, said that includes making sure there are consequences for inappropriate behaviour, up to and including disqualifying players from representing Canada.

“We can look at whether there are organizations that are putting athletes on such pedestals that there are no consequences for their actions, including this case that has led to our inquiry where there didn’t seem to be any consequences,” said Bittle in an interview.

The heritage committee launched its investigation into abuse at Hockey Canada in June, after it came to light that the organization settled a lawsuit with a woman who alleged eight members of the 2018 national junior team sexually assaulted her after a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ont.

On Tuesday, Hockey Canada’s president, Scott Smith, and its entire board of directors stepped down from their posts following weeks of immense pressure from the government, provincial hockey associations and sponsors.

Bittle said it is a good step, but it doesn’t solve the problem that there are deep cultural issues in sport that have prompted a look-the-other-way attitude when medals and glory are on the line.

Smith was among the Hockey Canada officials who told the committee in June they learned about the alleged assault the day after the gala, but an internal investigation was not able to identify the players involved and no disciplinary action was taken.

“Why wasn’t there a look to say ‘there’s certain people who shouldn’t be wearing the maple leaf on their chest representing Canada moving forward’?” Bittle asked. “If there’s no consequences for coaches and athletes in terms of their conduct, it’s going to be worse.”