Safer & Stronger

It exposed long-standing issues, validated the experiences of countless athletes, and made clear that meaningful reform was not only necessary, but urgent. This global reckoning reached Canada as well, and along with a public abuse case of our own, it placed Gymnastics Canada under intense national scrutiny.

Acknowledging concerns raised by athletes, families, and the broader community, GymCan commissioned an independent evaluation as part of its commitment to continuous improvement and changing the culture.

The report revealed patterns of behaviour, communication, and power dynamics that had, over time, created environments where athlete well-being was not prioritized. It shone a light on systemic challenges: cultural norms that went unchallenged, behaviours that eroded trust, and structures that failed to fully safeguard athlete well-being. While the findings were hard to hear, they were essential. The report not only validated athletes’ voices and highlighted gaps in policy and culture, but it also provided a roadmap for the systemic changes required. Most importantly, it reaffirmed the need for a fundamental shift; one that places safety, respect, and athlete experience at the core of gymnastics in Canada.

Building on this foundation, additional reviews such as the Sport Environment Assessment Report and the ongoing Culture of Excellence with Own the Podium initiative further deepened our insight into the environments shaping gymnastics experiences today. Together, these evaluations form a comprehensive picture and a clear direction for reform. They’ve signaled not just the recognition of past harm, but the beginning of a long-term commitment to building a safer and stronger future.

Today, GymCan enters the next phase of its safe sport transformation. The Safer and Stronger Strategy builds directly on the progress we’ve already made. It represents a shift from acknowledging what must change to intentionally creating environments where every participant, from athletes, coaches, judges, integrated support team, and staff, can thrive. This strategy is not just a response to the past. It is a vision for the future: a gymnastics system in Canada that is safer, healthier, and stronger than ever before.

We commit to upholding practices, standards, and culture that prevent psychological and physical abuse, guided by a zero-tolerance policy and the belief that performance must never come at the cost of safety or wellbeing.

Our Why: To create safe spaces where harm has no place and we take proactive action to safeguard all individuals within the gymnastics community because everyone has the right to be safe, heard, and protected.

We commit to identifying and communicating the pathway for reporting that is compassionate and trauma-informed. We will hold all parties engaged in the response and resolution process accountable.

Our Why: Every athlete, coach, judge, parent and guardian, integrated support team, leader, support staff, and volunteer must know that their voices will be heard, their experiences validated, and that issues will be resolved with integrity. By addressing harm and conflict directly, we will restore trust.

We commit to creating educational opportunities, ensuring clear pathways to resources, and delivering ongoing training. We will openly share tools needed with all members of the gymnastics community.

Our Why: By engaging and educating athletes, coaches, parents and guardians, judges, integrated support teams, leaders, support staff, and volunteers, we build a culture where risks are recognized, safe practices are upheld, and wellbeing is supported.

We commit to an innovative, learning-focused approach to Safe Sport, setting the standard for best practice across our sport, and keeping athletes and our participants at the heart of everything we do.

Our Why: To inspire progress through accountability, continuous growth, and leadership, grounded in leading by example and learning from every experience.