Quebec will reintroduce the Sports Safety Act to better protect young athletes

FILE – Girls playing soccer on artificial turf. (Credit: Unsplash/Joppe Spaa)

Quebec has re-introduced its Sports Safety Act to better protect young athletes.

Isabelle Charest, the minister responsible for sport, recreation and the outdoors, introduced Bill 45 on Tuesday to “strengthen the protection of people's integrity in recreation and sport”.

Last year, the Quebec Major Minor Hockey League (QMJHL) was forced to explain allegations of misconduct against elected officials of the National Assembly.

The Culture and Education Commission later recommended that the complaints officer “be fit and personable” like the Quebec ombudsman.

Bill 45 seeks to establish a recreation and sport ombudsman responsible for receiving and making recommendations on “any complaints relating to integrity”.

People who make reports or complaints will be protected from retaliation.

The bill would strengthen criminal background checks for “persons who work with or regularly interact with minors or persons with disabilities.”

A recent investigation by the Ministry of Education found that this vetting process was lacking.

“We have to welcome the volunteers and all the people who make it possible for our children to enjoy sports and leisure time. Coaches, referees, professionals,” wrote Prime Minister Francois Lego X.

“Unfortunately, there are a few bad apples and we want to do everything we can to prevent them from harming our children.

“The bill … aims to give us more tools,” he added.

In recent years, “there have been terrible scandals,” Quebec Solaire (QS) parliamentary leader Gabrielle Nadeau-Dubois said at a press briefing Tuesday morning.

“As parliamentarians, as parents, we want Quebec children to be able to play sports and pursue their passions in a safe environment,” he said.

“This is a great experience for young people. It should not turn into a tragedy, a nightmare. So we will work with the government to pass the best possible bill.”

According to Marc Tanguay, interim leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), the bill has been eagerly awaited.

“For months we have been asking for a full investigation,” he said.

The Parti Québécois (PQ) also welcomed the bill, which would “reassure” young people and their parents. “The minister gives us his full support,” said PQ MP Pascal Berube. “(Adoptions) can be done very quickly.”

– This La Presse Canadienne report was translated by CityNews

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