Canada's sports system is 'broken' and suffers from widespread abuse: Federal commission

The Canadian sports system is rife with abuse and fosters a culture that discourages athletes from speaking out, according to a scathing review from a commission the federal government launched to probe systemic abuse in sports.

"Maltreatment in sport, including physical punishment, sexual assault, training while injured, humiliation, intimidation, isolation tactics, failure to provide medical care, discrimination and exploitation continue to permeate at all levels," said Justice Lise Maisonneuve, who leads the Future of Sport in Canada Commission.

Maisonneuve spoke on Thursday afternoon, shortly after the three-person commission released its preliminary report on the issue.

Commissioner of future of sport says 'widespread abuse,' 'culture of silence' exist at all levels

It found that the federal government's current emphasis on "high performance and medal achievements" does not align with the Canadian sport community's desire for a system that values success but also embodies respect and diversity while promoting health and well-being.

The report also said there is a "lack of access and opportunity for many, but more particularly for para-athletes, Black and Indigenous and people of colour and those of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

"And when access and opportunities have been provided, they have often come at a cost to the dignity and safety of many individuals. Canadian sport has lost its way."

The commission, which started its work last year, is making 71 preliminary recommendations meant to enhance safe sport and improve Canada's sporting system at large.

To better respond to safe sport issues across Canada, the commission is calling for the federal government to collaborate with provinces and territories to create a