TIME FOR FEDERAL ACTION ON THE TREATMENT OF CONCUSSIONS IN SPORT

The government has a duty to take meaningful action to ensure the protection of our youth from concussions in sport.

“I have four children, and I’ve been involved in amateur sports my whole life, so I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to implement concussion-prevention protocol” said NDP sport critic Cheryl Hardcastle (Windsor—Tecumseh). “The government has a role to play and now that I’ve been elected, I will endeavor to help our children continue to play the sports they love in the safest possible conditions.”

New Democrats welcome the government’s initiative to confront the serious problem that concussions pose for our sporting system – especially among youth. Results of a recent study confirmed that one in five Canadians has suffered a concussion while practicing sports. Most individuals were injured before the age of 18.

A number of provinces are taking immediate action, while all 50 American states have already passed legislation aimed at preventing and treating concussions.

“It’s time to take action,” said Hardcastle. “For young people, sports are an extraordinary vehicle for development, which teaches them a lot about life. Let’s ensure that they can practice in a safe environment and in safe conditions.”