It’s not just ice hockey that’s not doing so well: a parliamentary committee is about to begin a study into the physical and mental health of women in all sports across the country.

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On November 17th, the members of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women will begin their work with the ultimate goal of producing a report on how best to address the problems of abuse and harassment in the sporting world.

Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge is on the list of people to testify before parliamentarians. A series of four sessions is planned.

The idea, proposed by Bloc Québécois MP Andréanne Larouche, was unanimously approved by the committee’s elected members early Monday afternoon.

“Now we just have to get this problem out of hockey. Other girls who play other sports are now waiting for us to set an example, for us to make them want to take charge of themselves,” explained Ms. Larouche during the meeting.

Not just hockey

Hockey Canada’s record is undoubtedly the one that has received the most media attention since the beginning of the year. However, other sports associations are leading the way with similar problems
Conservative MP Michelle Ferrari said the whole thing was less than a “MeToo in Sport”.

Last week, four former Canadian water polo players filed a $5.5 million civil lawsuit against their federation, Water Polo Canada.

The complainants allege physical, mental and emotional abuse and sexual harassment while working at the organization.

Gymnastics Canada is also in difficult waters. A group of about 70 gymnasts called Gymnasts For Change Canada had denounced a “toxic” atmosphere and abusive practices in an open letter to Minister St-Onge.

As with Hockey Canada, Pascale St-Onge froze the organization’s funds in July, but Gymnasts for Change, which now has over 500 employees, recently sent a second letter to the minister for him saying they still didn’t feel heard.

Ms. St-Onge has repeatedly acknowledged that gender issues go beyond the world of hockey and affect the entire sports community.

It has established the Office of the Commissioner for Sports Integrity, an independent body that will ensure the adoption of new rules to better regulate sports in Canada.