Question Period Note: Concussions in sport

Concussion is a serious and significant public health issue that affects the sport, recreation, health, and education sectors.

Concussions in sport are a serious public health issue due to their frequency of occurrence and their negative consequences on brain health.

We know there is more to be done to prevent concussions in sport.

We will continue to work with partners, including provincial-territorial jurisdictions, to increase the awareness, prevention, and management of concussions for all Canadians.

Sport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have been collaborating and sharing responsibilities related to concussions since 2015.

The Federal, Provincial and Territorial Working Group on Concussions in Sport is comprised of government representatives, non-governmental sport organizations, health, medical and education experts, and members of the Canadian Concussion Collaborative.

On July 28, 2017, with funding from PHAC, Parachute released the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport, leading to the development of return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols at the national level.

On June 3, 2019, the Standing Committee on Health tabled the 24th Report on the Subcommittee on Sports-Related Concussions in Canada’s study, entitled Tackling the Problem Head-on: Sports-Related Concussions in Canada, in the House of Commons. The recommendations call on the Government of Canada to continue to act in the areas of research, awareness, prevention, detection, management, and surveillance.

As of March 31, 2021, federally funded recipients are required to have a policy on concussions, as well as specific return-to-sport protocols.

September 24 to October 1, 2023, marked the third annual National Concussion Awareness Week. This week was launched in 2021, in direct response to the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Ministers’ recommendation of establishing an annual week to increase concussion awareness and showcase the innovative work being done by stakeholders across all sectors.

In June 2023, a new International Consensus Statement on Concussions in Sport was released.

On December 5, 2023, the PHAC announced almost $250,000 to Parachute to support updates to the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport and other key concussion resources.

On March 14, 2024, Parachute published a revised edition of the Canadian Guideline. The updated Guideline considers the 6th International Consensus statement on concussion in sport published in the British Journal of Sport Medicine in June 2023. It aims to increase knowledge about concussions for athletes of all levels, and the caregivers and professionals who support them. It also seeks to support concussion prevention and management, helping reduce lost time at school, play and work.

On April 16, 2024, the Federal Budget 2024 proposed to provide $16 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to Canadian Heritage to help create a safer and more welcoming sport environment for athletes. Priorities will include supporting participants with concussions and mental health issues.

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