COPSIN WELCOMES THE FINAL REPORT OF THE FUTURE OF SPORT IN CANADA AND COMMITS TO SUPPORTING ITS IMPLEMENTATION

The release of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s final report marks an important moment for reflection and alignment across the Canadian sport system. For the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN), it represents a timely opportunity to build on shared insights and move collectively toward meaningful, system-wide progress.

We applaud the Government of Canada for recognizing the gaps and areas for improvement in our current system, and for pushing forward next steps to improve sport in Canada as a whole. We are in firm agreement with Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden when he says these improvements must be “grounded in stronger coordination, transparency, and accountability across the sport system.”

Across the COPSIN, we are committed to working in partnership with governments, national and provincial sport organizations, and system leaders to ensure the Commission’s recommendations translate into real, measurable improvements for athletes. Collaboration across the network will be essential to turning insight into action. As a network that works daily with athletes, coaches, and sport scientists across the country, COPSIN plays a unique role in translating policy into athlete‑centred services.

We also recognize recent comments from Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding a forthcoming review of athlete funding and support. This signals an important opportunity to align efforts and ensure that athlete perspectives remain central in shaping future decisions. Continued engagement with athletes and those who support them daily will be key to getting this right. An athlete-centred approach is critical to long-term success for Canadian sport. Funding reviews are also essential in ensuring Canada maintains our place at the forefront of sport, globally. This is why we were encouraged to see that one of the immediate recommendations in the report is to increase sport funding within the next 12 months, and we look forward to that implementation by the federal government.

Given the depth of the Commission’s work, the COPSIN will take the necessary time to review the report and all 98 calls to action in detail. In the weeks ahead, we look forward to engaging with partners across the system to move beyond recommendations and toward coordinated, action-oriented implementation.

We remain committed to working together to strengthen the system that supports Canadian athletes both now and into the future, and to ensuring this moment leads to meaningful, lasting progress.

About The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sports Institute Network (COPSIN)

With seven locations across Canada, the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN) partners with National Sport Organizations (NSOs) and the high-performance sport community to deliver world-class performance services and applied sport science research projects.

COPSIN is a key performance partner in the implementation of the priorities of the National High-Performance Strategy including the Game Plan program, mental health and safe sport.

Find out more at  www.copsin.ca.