A national study reports that women now hold 45% of board seats and 48% of chair positions in Canadian sport organizations [1, 2].
These figures highlight a shifting power dynamic within the governance of Canadian athletics. While the data indicates progress toward gender parity in oversight roles, the findings suggest that representation gaps persist at the executive level.
Allison Sandmeyer‑Graves, CEO of Canadian Women & Sport, led the effort to measure progress and identify remaining gaps in women’s representation at senior leadership levels [2]. The study focuses on the distribution of power within boardrooms to determine if the leadership reflects the demographics of the athletes and staff they oversee.
According to the report, women occupy 45% of board seats [1]. The study further notes that women hold 48% of board chair positions [2]. These roles are critical for setting the strategic direction of sport bodies, and managing organizational policy.
The research aimed to provide a baseline for Canadian sport organizations to evaluate their diversity efforts [2]. By tracking these specific metrics, the organization intends to push for more inclusive hiring and appointment practices across the country.
Sandmeyer‑Graves said the study serves as a tool to identify where the remaining barriers to leadership exist. The data suggests that while the path to the boardroom is opening, the transition from board membership to executive operational control remains a primary area for improvement [2].
“Women hold 45% of board seats in Canadian sport organizations.”
The proximity of these figures to 50% suggests that Canadian sport governance is nearing gender parity at the board level. However, the distinction between board oversight and executive management often reveals a 'glass ceiling' where women are appointed to governance roles but less frequently to the highest-paying operational roles, such as CEO or General Manager.
