Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
I would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people. I respectfully recognize the first nation, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.
In listening today to the experiences shared by Lanni, Andrea and Sandra, I would also like to recognize all who have come before to share how they faced abuse, and those who still live with trauma silently.
I'm accompanied by Paralympian CPC board member and athletes' council vice-chair Erica Gavel; and CPC staff member Michelle Killins, who is the director of Paralympic performance and pathways. We are all available to answer any of your questions when the time arises.
The CPC, or Canadian Paralympic Committee, is a non-profit organization with 27 member sport organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement and inclusion through para sport. We work to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming culture, a culture and environment that supports each participant, while respecting and valuing their experience, voice and diversity, whether on the field of play or in their development as individuals and leaders. We are guided by athlete leadership and experience to create greater access to opportunity that is safe, supportive and welcoming.
I'd like to share a few examples.
Our flagship athlete discovery program, the Paralympian Search, was consistently yielding significantly lower participation from women, a reflection of systemic under-representation of women with a disability in sport. In response, Paralympian Elisabeth Walker Young, who also works in diversity, equity and inclusion, was hired to develop the framework for a pilot event focused on women's needs with the goal of providing a safe and welcoming space for women and girls on their para sport journey.
Also, to better understand women and girls' experiences in para sport, several projects were conducted to support safe and inclusive environments. They included working with national sport organizations that collected data from team members so that their athlete experiences and voices were heard, were held, and would lead to positive change.
As well, a research study on safe, inclusive and accessible sport was completed by Paralympian Stephanie Dixon and her colleagues. This and other Paralympic-specific research on safe sport were completed because most data and insights from current research were not as inclusive nor as representative of a Paralympic athlete's experiences. In addition, at a leadership level the Paralympic movement is strengthened by the fact that the CPC board of directors includes a high ratio of female Paralympians: Erica Gavel, Michelle Stilwell and Cindy Ouellet. In addition, our CPC athletes' council also includes Paralympians Ina Forrest, Erica Gavel, Amy Burk and Abi Tripp.
These individuals reflect their own experience directly on diversity, equity, inclusion and safe sport and, through their leadership, contribute towards reimagining our sports system going forward.
Several building blocks to a safe sport culture across Canada include absolutely ensuring that more women, more diversity and more athletes with a direct voice are supported in leadership roles. Second, the concept of education was mentioned several times—to be clear, on not only what it looks like when it's not safe, but also on what a quality, inclusive and safe sport environment and culture looks like.
Governance was also referenced several times this afternoon. We need to look at some of the assumptions and implicit biases in our current governance infrastructure and policy.
Lastly, the federal, provincial and territorial governments must ensure strong, collective and focused leadership to address safe, inclusive and quality sport.
In conclusion, the CPC believes in belonging through sport. We are committed to a quality, inclusive, welcoming and safe sport environment. This is non-negotiable. We are definitely committed to doing better.
Thank you, Madam Chair.