I think that independent governance audits should be required for Canada's sport, for the reporting mechanisms and for these for-profit safe sport entities. Basically, any entity seeking to work within sport in this capacity has to be held to greater accountability.
Even with good intention, a lack of professional capacity, a conflict of interest or a lack of independence will hinder the ethical evolution of Canadian safe sport and appropriate athlete care. Alleged wrongdoing, investigations, inquiries and support systems need to be handled impartially by accountable professionals who have the required competence and necessary training, and who do not have any history surrounding the enabling of abuse or corruption at any level in sport.
There are, as Mr. McLaren said, individuals in sport who have seemingly credible reputations on paper, but who have been involved in the enabling of abuse, have been abusive or are not fit for purpose and are currently trying to profit off integrity and rebrand as “safe sport experts”. They are working right now within sport entities or consulting firms in the realm of safe sport.
To mitigate these entities, any group seeking to work within safe sport ought to be held to greater accountability by audit.
This is not just a Canadian problem. My colleagues in Brazil, Colombia, Australia and the U.S. corroborate that we have to prepare for this risk.