Creating a Safe and Respectful Paddling Community

The responsibility for handling reports of inappropriate behavior in federally funded sport organizations—like Canoe Kayak Canada and Rowing Canada Aviron—now falls to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) under the Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP). This means CCES is the main organization managing reports and providing support for anyone who experiences misconduct. This program offers a structured process for reporting maltreatment and provides support services for individuals involved.

As a member of the Alberta Whitewater Association and the Alberta Whitewater Association, the NWTPA will also continue to offer ways for you to report any issues through Canoe Kayak Canada's or Rowing Canada Aviron’s resources, as appropriate. We take every concern seriously and will follow up to ensure your report is addressed properly, on behalf of our community.

We want to hear from you. Your safety and well-being are very important to us, and we’re always working to improve how we support our community. If you have questions or worries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at nwtkayakassociation@gmail.com.

“Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) has a fundamental obligation and responsibility to protect the health and well-being of the organization, its members and its participants. CKC takes any situation involving misconduct very seriously. CKC and its Members are collectively committed to enacting and enforcing strong, clear, and consistent policies and processes for addressing misconduct.”
Two people kayaking on dark blue water, one in a yellow kayak and the other in a green kayak, viewed from above.

Safe Spaces for Everyone

When everyone learns and gets involved, we can reduce the risk of abuse, harassment, discrimination, and maltreatment, making sure all paddling activities are safe and welcoming for everyone. We can all help create a safe and respectful paddling community by following these 3 simple steps:

1. Take the Safe Sport Training

Who should do it? Everyone! The free online Safe Sport Training (SST) helps coaches, volunteers, parents, and club leaders learn how to promote a safe environment. It takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours and can be done in parts at your own pace, even on a phone. All volunteers, coaches, and board members must complete either the Safe Sport Training or Respect in Sport – Activity Leaders Training. These trainings are updated every 3 years to stay current.

2. Get a Police Screening

Police Checks (or Vulnerable Sector Checks) are required every 3 years. In the NWT, a Criminal Record Check is needed instead of an Enhanced Police Information Check. If you need help or advice on how to get one, contact us at nwtkayakassociation@gmail.com.

3. Complete the Self-Disclosure Form

Please complete the AWA Self-Disclosure Form each year you volunteer. It only takes about 2 minutes. It’s best to do this at the start of each year so we can keep everyone safe and up-to-date.

Requirements by Role

  • Do both the Safe Sport Training (SST) and the Self-Disclosure Form every year.

  • You are encouraged to take the quick, free online training.

    • Complete the Safe Sport Training (SST)

    • Get a Criminal Record Check

    • Fill out the Self-Disclosure Form

    • Complete the Safe Sport Training (SST),

    • Get a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC),

    • Fill out the Self-Disclosure Form.

NOTES:

  • Criminal Record Checks (CRC) or Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSCs) can be done at your local RCMP or city police station. The NWTPA can provide a support letter to help waive any fees—email us at nwtkayakassociation@gmail.com.

  • An online option, Sterling Backcheck, offers next-day results for $25, but it only provides EPIC checks, not VSCs.

  • For senior instructors, coaches working directly with youth, or volunteers traveling with youth, the NWTPA can also provide a fee-waiver letter for Vulnerable Sector Checks.

Concerns and Complaints 

REPORTING HOTLINE

Call: 1-866-971-CSSP (2777)
Email: safesport@cssp.realresponse.com

This hotline is an easy way to report concerns anonymously or get help quickly.

Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) has appointed independent Safe Sport officers who anyone can contact if they need to report or talk about any abuse or harassment. CKC works with W&W Dispute Resolution Services to handle these reports. You can reach them directly and privately at safesport@canoekayak.ca. This email is confidential, and only the Safe Sport Officer will see your message. The Alberta Whitewater Association (AWA) also has a Safe Sport Officer on the board. You can contact them at safesport@albertawhitewater.ca.

From the Canadian Centre
for Ethics in Sport:

We receive and respond to reports of individuals who may have engaged in behaviour prohibited under the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS.)

This includes: 

  • psychological maltreatment

  • physical maltreatment

  • neglect

  • sexual maltreatment

  • grooming 

  • boundary transgressions

  • discrimination

  • subjecting a participant to the risk of maltreatment

  • aiding and abetting

  • failing to report possible maltreatment 

  • intentionally reporting a false allegation

  • interference with or manipulation of a process

  • retaliation

For more information about prohibited behaviours click here.

For glossary descriptions click here.