Sport Safeguarding BC Directors Appointed Advancing Safety in Sport

July 30, 2025, Vancouver, BC – We are pleased to announce the Board of Directors for Sport Safeguarding BC Society, a new independent entity dedicated to ensuring safe and respectful participation for everyone in amateur sport across BC. The Society’s role is to establish a trusted space to voice concerns and to work to resolve issues with integrity to strengthen safety and well-being in sport.

An independent firm, Watson Advisors, Inc., conducted an open call for Board Directors. Candidates were assessed using a “Skills and Diversity Matrix” created by viaSport in consultation with the Province. A short list of candidates was vetted and interviewed by a viaSport Board committee.

The following individuals have been appointed as the First Directors for Sport Safeguarding BC:

• Janine Benedet, K.C., Professor, Faculty of Law, University of British Columbia
• Jon Festinger, K.C., Of Counsel, Chandler Fogden Lyman; Lecturer, UBC Allard School of Law
• Laura Nashman, CEO, British Columbia Pension Corporation
• Leah Zille, Executive Director, The Treehouse Child & Youth Advocacy Centre
• Sharon Sutherland, Executive Director, Mediate BC

This newly appointed board brings together a diverse group of leaders with expertise in child protection, dispute resolution, trauma-informed practice and nonprofit governance. Their combined knowledge and leadership will be instrumental in guiding the strategic direction and ensuring accountability, transparency, and impact of the organization.

“We are confident that under the guidance of this exceptional board, Sport Safeguarding BC will fill a vital gap in advancing viaSport’s vision for a safe and inclusive sport system,” said Andrew Price, viaSport CEO. “It will enhance and protect the overall well-being of individuals involved in amateur sport, and achieve consistency across BC’s sport sector.”

Since confirming the Directors, the Society has approved Bylaws and a Constitution, and was formally registered with BC Registries. The Directors are responsible for overseeing the set-up and operations of the new entity with a mandate to:

• promote a safe and inclusive sport culture by ensuring accountability of individuals and organizations, and;
• provide an independent complaint management service for amateur sport organizations in BC that develops and upholds clear and enforceable standards to protect the overall well-being of individuals involved.

Initially, the services, as determined by Sport Safeguarding BC, will be offered to the members and clubs of sports in the viaSport Designation Program. More information on timelines will be communicated by Sport Safeguarding BC in the coming months.

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For more information, visit www.viasport.ca/safety-in-sport-project-updates or contact:
Ninu Gill, Director, Marketing & Communications
ninug@viasport.ca