The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal has opted not to mandate Cycling Canada to include a women’s pursuit team in the upcoming world track championship in October. Nevertheless, the Tribunal has left the possibility open for a hearing to investigate potential discrimination.
Cycling Canada’s plan is to field a men’s pursuit team at the world championship in Shanghai, which serves as the initial qualifier for countries aiming for the 2028 Olympic Games, while not including a women’s team.
Following a rejection by the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada, five women, namely Fiona Majendie, Skyler Goudswaard, Jenna Nestman, Lily Plante, and Justine Thomas, brought their case for the inclusion of a pursuit team in the world championship to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal on August 18. They alleged that Cycling Canada discriminated against them based on gender and requested an immediate interim order mandating the organization to enter a women’s pursuit team in Shanghai, with the entry deadline approaching.
The Tribunal, in its ruling on Friday, indicated that there was insufficient time to conduct an expedited hearing and reach a decision within a 34-day timeframe. However, the discrimination issue remains unresolved, with the Tribunal agreeing to expedite a case management conference call to decide on the necessity of a hearing.
Emir Crowne, the representative for the women, acknowledged the time constraints, stating, “Shanghai was always a race against the clock.” He commended the Human Rights Tribunal for acting swiftly to keep the pathway open for the 2027 Olympics. Crowne expressed dismay that women in Canadian sports still face significant challenges in achieving equal opportunities.
Efforts for mediation between the women and Cycling Canada were unsuccessful on September 10, following the SDRCC’s denial of the women’s appeal on August 10. Arbitrator Carol Roberts found Cycling Canada’s decision to be in line with the organization’s criteria and objectives, dismissing claims of discrimination.
Cycling Canada clarified that it did not disband the women’s team pursuit program but transitioned to a development model. The decision to enter only men in the world championship was based on performance analysis indicating that the men were closer to achieving a top-six world ranking than the women, coupled with budget constraints.
While acknowledging the potential for women’s qualification for the 2028 Olympics with exceptional talent and proper training, Cycling Canada hinted that the focus was on developing a competitive team for the 2032 Games. The women’s pursuit team is scheduled to participate in upcoming events in the Netherlands, Pan American Championships, and a World Cup in Ontario.
Historically, the women’s track cycling team pursuit has been a successful event for Canada, with Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016, and a fourth-place finish in 2021.