I'm also curious about the announcement you made yesterday, Minister. I know there was quite a bit in that announcement.
One of the questions I have for you has to do with a registry among national sports organizations with regard to sanctions. We've heard from many victims at this committee, whether from soccer, gymnastics, hockey, fencing, boxing, swimming, volleyball—you name it. There are dozens of sports organizations across this country where athletes have been mistreated. Of course, they have grave concerns.
One notable victim who spoke at this committee was Ms. McCormack. She asked how we could witness this car crash over and over again and do nothing. Another thing she said at this committee, when talking about the Soccer Canada coach, was “yet inexplicably was allowed by Canada Soccer to continue coaching teenage girls. For 12 years, I and others reported this known predator repeatedly, to no avail.”
Andrea Neil said this: “Canada Soccer didn't act to protect the community. They negligently shifted his predatory behaviour on and shrouded the reason for his departure, so he was back coaching vulnerable girls just weeks later.”
Of course, the reference here is to Bob Birarda. This is a very sad case. This is an individual who sexually assaulted numerous girls within soccer. It seems nothing was done about it, so these girls were left feeling voiceless, powerless and defeated.
My question for you is this: Will you be creating a registry so these national sports organizations can report sanctions?