Amateur athletes need protection

As federal court hearings begin in Philadelphia to determine the merit of lawsuits contending that the NFL hid the risks of concussion-related brain injuries on players, NDP Consumer Affairs critic Glenn Thibeault (Sudbury) is urging the government to take action to protect Canada’s amateur athletes.

“Professional players have unions to protect them but many amateur and collegiate athletes with similar difficulties with concussions need someone to step in and ensure that they are properly protected,” said Thibeault. “New Democrats were the first to recognise the serious threat concussions represent for Canada’s amateur athletes. It’s time for the government to get onboard.”

Thibeault tabled Bill C-319 to establish a strategy for sports injury surveillance to address this growing concern. The strategy would include concussion guidelines and measures to ensure that athletes are not being returned to play before they are medically ready.

“The Conservatives should show leadership and support this bill, so that key actors in the medical and sports communities can come together to reduce concussions,” said NDP Sport critic Matthew Dubé (Chambly – Borduas).