Conducting investigations is part of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner's mandate, but the office clearly won't replace the traditional court system, criminal or otherwise.
However, when it comes to practices in sport, the commissioner's office can impose sanctions in cases of assault or abuse. The OSIC is certainly empowered to conduct investigations.
Something else worth noting is that this is a new mechanism. Canada has never had anything like it before. The office just launched on June 20. Everyone was supportive of Sarah‑Ève Pelletier's appointment as commissioner. She has tremendous experience, as a member of the sports community and a lawyer. She is an expert on athlete safety. She needs time to become familiar with the job and to conduct her first investigations. If the office's mandate or process needs improving, we will improve it.
My focus—and I have made this my mission—is making sure that the mechanism is effective and that athletes see the commissioner's office as a safe place to turn to when they have been the victim of an assault or maltreatment.