In March of 2021, seven former members of the senior national team filed a class action against Canada Artistic Swimming (“CAS”), in order to see a change of culture take place in their sport, for the safety and benefit of all current and future athletes. CAS appreciates their determination and recognizes the importance of their actions.
The parties have since reached a settlement that is satisfactory to all. The agreement comprises important measures to provide over C$1 million in monetary compensation for the athletes who trained on CAS national teams from 2010 to 2023 and suffered as a result. The agreement also includes meaningful and long-lasting commitments by CAS to end and prevent for good any maltreatment in the national team training environment and to ensure the continued safety and well-being of its athletes.
In particular, CAS commits to continue the efforts it has undertaken over the last number of years to take a leading role in making the sport experience free from psychological abuse, neglect, and/or harassment. This includes ensuring that hiring committees for National Team coaches comprise at least 50% athlete representation, conducting governance education, and exploring the possibility of incorporating probationary periods into coaching contracts to align with industry best practices. Moreover, CAS is proactively informing all National Team athletes about applicable safe-sport measures to prioritize their well-being.
In addition to these proactive measures, CAS has implemented various safety improvements over recent years. These efforts include joining the Abuse-Free Sport program, adopting the Canadian Safe Sport Program Rules, committing to ongoing initiatives such as the establishment of an Athletes’ Committee, and amending by-laws to create a dedicated board position for a former National Team athlete. Furthermore, CAS has instituted 360-degree performance reviews across its coaching staff to ensure continuous improvement and accountability. These comprehensive initiatives underscore CAS’s unwavering commitment to athlete inclusion, safety, and performance excellence.
With these initiatives, the safety, dignity, and well-being of artistic swimmers will be better preserved going forward.