OTTAWA – The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) in partnership with AthletesCAN, convened a virtual focus group of current and retired Canadian national team athletes to discuss critical matters regarding the implementation of the 2021 Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP).
“AthletesCAN, along with our athlete partners and collaborators, were motivated in being able to provide the athlete voice at this stage of the consultation,” said Dasha Peregoudova, President of AthletesCAN. “It’s clear that the CCES has increasingly made it a priority to hear from the athletes, and this collaborative consultation process that has been several months in the making afforded an honest avenue for dialogue, even on the more challenging nuances of the CADP and anti-doping in general. We look forward to the next stages of the process.”
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) released a new World Anti-Doping Code (Code) in the fall of 2019 that takes effect globally on January 1, 2021. The CCES is responsible for implementing the new Code in Canada through the CADP, which is a requirement for membership in international sport federations and competition at major games. As part of drafting the 2021 CADP, the CCES has entered a multi-stage consultation process that seeks a diverse range of feedback from the Canadian sport community to ensure the best interests of key stakeholders are met.
“The CCES would like to thank AthletesCAN and participating athletes for giving their time, expertise and knowledge to shaping the 2021 CADP,” said Jeremy Luke, CCES Senior Director of Sport Integrity. “Athletes are the primary stakeholder for the CADP and it is imperative their voice is at the centre of the 2021 CADP consultation process.”
“It was really a pleasure to join this working group session hosted by the CCES and AthletesCAN to discuss and review the Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act” said Beckie Scott (Cross-Country Ski), former Chair of the WADA Athletes’ Committee. “Meaningful athlete involvement and input in to the sporting eco-system is critically important for it to function properly, and I’m both heartened and encouraged to see this level of athlete engagement in to the Canadian Anti-Doping system.”
“It was fantastic to have the opportunity to participate in AthletesCAN and CCES’ athlete focus group” said Ross Wilson (Para Cycling), Vice-Chair of the Canadian Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council. “It was an example of the power partnerships can have in informing the continued evolution of fair sport for all in Canada. CCES asked many meaningful questions, and I felt the representatives were eager to receive feedback and input in the development of changes to Canadian Anti-Doping Program. Canada continues to be leader in anti-doping because of shared values represented through great work carried out by organizations like CCES.”
“The fight against doping is not a one man show, everyone has to chip in and participate to shape the future of clean sport” said Philippe Marquis (Freestyle Ski, Moguls), Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission member. “In Canada, the leadership of CCES and AthletesCAN has been growing while bringing the athlete voice with it. This holistic and inclusive approach makes me hopeful for the future of anti-doping.”
Athletes in attendence:
Beckie Scott, Cross-Country Ski
Former Chair, WADA Athletes’ Commission
Tony Walby, Para Judo
Chair, Canadian Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council
Ross Wilson, Para Cycling
Vice Chair, Canadian Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council
Philippe Marquis, Freestyle Ski (Moguls)
Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission Member
Cameron Wheelan, Beach Volleyball
Volleyball Canada Athlete Representative
Josh Vander Vies, Boccia
Former President, AthletesCAN
Dasha Peregoudova, Taekwondo
President, AthletesCAN
Jillian Drouin, Athletics
Vice President, AthletesCAN
Liam Smedley, Canoe Slalom
Board of Directors, AthletesCAN
Allison Forsyth, Alpine Ski
Board of Directors, AthletesCAN
Celina Toth, Diving
Board of Directors, AthletesCAN
Mercedes Nicoll Snowboard
Board of Directors, AthletesCAN
A special thank you to Derek Johnston of Face Value Communications Inc. who facilitated the session, our co-host the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, and all athletes for engaging in the 2021 CADP consultation process.
About the CCES
The CCES is an independent, national, not-for profit organization with a responsibility to administer the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. The CCES acknowledges funding, in part, from the Government of Canada. We are committed to making sport better by working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.
About AthletesCAN
AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is the only fully independent and most inclusive athlete organization in the country and the first organization of its kind in the world. As the voice of Canadian national team athletes, AthletesCAN ensures an athlete centered sport system by developing athlete leaders who influence sport policy and, as role models, inspire a strong sport culture.