Key Takeaways:
- The Manitoba govt rejected the NDP’s proposal better to protect young athletes from sexual predators on Thursday morning.
- According to a release from the NDP, the resolution would have called for a new regulation preventing coaches from having student-athletes in their homes.
On Thursday morning, the Manitoba government rejected the NDP’s proposal to safeguard young athletes from sexual predators better.
After several allegations of sexual abuse against some of his former players, local high school football coach Kelsey McKay was arrested.
“The stories of sports abuse are heartbreaking, but we are not powerless,” Adrien Sala, NDP MLA for St. James, stated.
“We can take concrete efforts to safeguard our children.” As legislators, we have a responsibility to develop better policies to prevent abuse and lessen the stigma for survivors.”
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As per a release from the NDP, the motion would have called for a new policy prohibiting coaches from having student-athletes in their homes.
A dedicated text line for children to report any incidences of abuse, as well as cash to promote the service, was also suggested.
“As a father, nothing matters more to me than the protection of my children, and I know every family in our province feels the same way,” Jamie Moses, MLA for St. Vital, stated.
“The fact is that the policies in place in Manitoba are insufficient to safeguard our children from potential abuse, and this needs to change right away.” We have to improve.”
The PCs claim that the NDP’s proposal lacked coordination and that the subject deserves far more than a one-hour debate in the legislature.
“As a government, we intend to work collaboratively with Sport Manitoba, provincial sports organizations, and various community stakeholders,” said Andrew Smith, Manitoba’s Minister of Sport, Culture, and Heritage.
“We recognize that this is a constantly changing issue, and we must always stay on top of it and work together to protect our children.”
Wayne Ewasko, Minister of Education as well as Early Childhood Learning, said the PCs will have “more good news” on this matter in a “short period.”
Source: CTV News
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