Sport’s ability to reduce youth crime, improve school performance and increase confidence, self-esteem and employment skills are not being made available to those who stand to benefit the most.

We need to create better access to sport for poor Canadians, new Canadians, Canadians with disabilities and aboriginal Canadians. Sport should also be available to anyone, regardless of gender or skill level.

We have universal health care and public education in Canada. What we need now is universal access to sport participation – removing the economic, cultural, gender and other barriers to access. Every child in this country should have the opportunity to benefit from sport through participation at a level commensurate with their interest and ability.