Under the Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP) Rules, the CCES may determine that an investigation is needed to resolve a report. Investigations are conducted by independent, external firms.
Firms will conduct interviews as part investigations. We recognize that participating in an interview about maltreatment can be a difficult experience for anyone. To help reduce the risk of harm, all investigators must meet our criteria and are required to follow guidelines set by the CCES.
The investigator’s job is solely to conduct interviews and collect evidence in order to make findings of fact (determining what is true based on the evidence) and findings of credibility (judging if someone is likely telling the truth), based on a balance of probabilities (what is more likely to be true than not true).
Using these findings, the investigator will draft a report that the CCES will use to determine if there was a violation of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) and if sanctions should be imposed.
What you can expect during an investigation under the CCES guidelines:
- An investigator will contact you by email to share information about the investigation process and set up an interview (usually virtual) in the official language of your choice.
- It’s your choice to participate in an investigation or not, but it’s important to know that:
- If you are the person who was reported and you choose not to participate, the investigation will continue without your input and, once the investigation is complete and the investigation report has been shared with the CCES, the investigator will not be able to consider any information or evidence from you, including information previously provided to the CSSP. The investigator may draw an adverse inference from your decision not to participate (i.e., your non-participation may be viewed negatively) and may make findings of fact against you based on the available evidence.
- If you are the person who reported or was impacted by the prohibited behaviour and you choose not to participate, this may mean that the CCES’s ability to investigate will be limited and we may close the file due to an absence of evidence.
- To ensure accuracy and accountability, all interviews will be audio recorded. The investigator will explain the purpose of recording and will answer questions about how the recording will be used, who will have access to it, and where it will be stored after the investigation concludes.
- The investigator may request relevant documents such as texts, emails, social media posts, or other recorded evidence from you.
- An investigation will be completed within 75 days, except when the CCES determines there are exceptional circumstances that require an extension.
- The investigator will provide a report to the CCES that will be shared with the person who reported, the person who was impacted by the prohibited behaviour, and the person who was reported. They will all have the option to provide a response.
- You can have a support person with you throughout the CSSP report process. This individual cannot provide evidence or act as a witness, but they can ask procedural questions and provide advice to you during the investigation interview.
- For investigations that involve a minor, the investigator must have a criminal record check with the vulnerable sector check and specialized training in interviewing minors. Additionally, for cases involving sexual assault, investigators must have substantive experience or expertise in sexual assault law.
The CSSP Rules provide the framework for all investigations. Rules 14 and 15 have more information.