Liberals play long game on gender equality in sports
2018 federal budget allocates $30 million toward greater balance by 2035
The Liberal government wants to see gender equality in Canadian sports — from the local hockey rink to the Olympics — by 2035.
The long-term target announced in the 2018 federal budget comes with $30 million over three years to get the ball rolling towards that goal.
The details remain to be seen, but sports organizations are hoping it means help for their ongoing efforts to achieve a greater balance between men and women, and boys and girls, on the field, the ice and around the leadership table.
Gord Grace, CEO of Ontario University Athletics, says he would welcome any support for recruiting and retaining more female athletes in an age group where many girls walk away from the sports they enjoyed in high school.
Sandra Murray-MacDonell, CEO of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association, says her organization offers teams for men and women when it comes to all its sports, but is still fighting systemic barriers to getting their graduating female athletes into top coaching positions.
The House of Commons heritage committee recommended setting targets in its report on women and girls in sport last fall.