Mechanism for Canadian athletes to report harassment, abuse in place soon: Sport Minister

Pascale St-Onge says plans are in place for an independent mechanism for the reporting of maltreatment in sport, and it will be operational by late spring.

Canada's Sport Minister released a statement on Monday night in response to an open letter to Sport Canada signed by more than 70 current and former gymnasts, calling for an investigation into the toxic culture of their sport. By the end of Monday night, the list of signatories had grown to more than 130.

"Let me be clear: there is no place for harassment, abuse, discrimination or maltreatment in sports," St-Onge said in the statement. "I want to recognize the courage of the athletes who have come forward."

The independent mechanism will be operated through the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC), St-Onge said, and Sport Canada intends to make the mechanism mandatory for all federally funded national sport organizations.

"Sport organizations, coaches and athletes have highlighted the need for an independent mechanism where athletes can report instances of maltreatment," St-Onge said. "[Monday's] open letter is a reminder that we must take action to create a cultural shift in sport at all levels.

"All athletes have the right to practise their sport in a healthy, safe, ethical and respectful environment. This is a collective responsibility of all those around athletes."

WATCH | Canadian gymnasts demand investigation into abusive practices: 

Canadian gymnasts say their sport is rife with complaints of emotional, physical and even sexual abuse of athletes, many of them minors.

"When you grow up in that kind of toxic environment, it has lasting effects on your life," retired rhythmic gymnast Rosie Cossar told The Canadian Press. "That's your developmental