Lawsuit Alleges Failures in Response to Sexual Assault within Canadian sailing Program
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A former member of Nova Scotia’s olympic sailing training program has filed a $9 million lawsuit against Sail Canada and Sail Nova Scotia, alleging negligence in their response to a reported sexual assault and subsequent retaliation.
Last updated: September 24,2025,22:27:18 EDT
What Happened?
The lawsuit,filed in the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario,details allegations that a 21-year-old sailing coach and trainee from British Columbia was sexually assaulted by a teammate in Nova Scotia in July 2024.The complainant reported the assault to supervisors at both Sail canada and Sail Nova scotia ten days later, claiming her reports were ignored and that she later faced retaliation.
The suit further alleges a coordinated effort by coaches and employees of the sailing organizations to cover up the assault in the fall of 2024. Specifically,the lawsuit claims the organizations failed to fulfill their duty to report a reasonable suspicion of sexual maltreatment,abuse,or retaliation,and did not provide adequate protection or support to the complainant. It also alleges a failure to enforce a suspension or removal of the allegedly implicated coaches and athletes.
Who is Involved?
- Complainant: A 21-year-old woman from British Columbia, formerly a member of Nova Scotia’s Olympic sailing training program and a sailing coach.
- Sail Canada: The national governing body for the sport of sailing in canada, headquartered in Ontario. Sail Canada Official Website
- Sail Nova Scotia: The provincial governing body for sailing in Nova Scotia. Sail Nova Scotia Official Website
- Yacht Squadron: The Yacht Squadron, not explicitly named as a defendant, declined to comment on the allegations, citing ongoing court proceedings.
Key Allegations and claims
| Allegation | Details |
|---|---|
| Sexual Assault | Occurred in july 2024 in Nova Scotia. |
| Failure to Report | Sail Canada and Sail Nova Scotia allegedly failed to report a reasonable suspicion of sexual maltreatment. |
| Retaliation | The complainant alleges she faced retaliation after reporting the assault. |
| Cover-Up | The lawsuit claims a coordinated effort to cover up the assault occurred in the fall of 2024. |
| Damages sought | $9 million in damages. |
Official Statements
Yacht Squadron stated it would not comment on the allegations as they are currently before the courts.
The safety, respect, and well-being of all members and participants remain our highest priority and that it continues to strengthen programs, policies, and culture to ensure that sailing takes place in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Sail nova Scotia was not immediately available for comment.
Notable Considerations
It is crucial to remember that none of the allegations presented in the lawsuit have been proven in court. The legal process will determine the validity of these claims. The case is being heard in the Superior Court of justice of Ontario.