Denis Coderre States Tough Anti-Doping Measures are Needed
TORONTO, June 27, 2000 -- Secretary of State (Amateur Sport), Denis Coderre issued today a statement calling for tough, new anti-doping measures in Canada to confront the increased threat to the country's amateur athletes.Speaking at le Cercle canadien, Mr. Coderre said the availability and use of banned, performance-enhancing substances is spreading. He said e-commerce has made these substances more accessible and they are becoming more and more present in dietary supplements consumed by athletes.
"As elected leaders, we must do more to rid sport of the scourge of drugs," Mr. Coderre added. "Our policy must be one of ZERO tolerance. Doping products have no place in the world of sport."
"The more competitive our athletes become, the greater the pressure there may be on them to use banned substances. And, it's the athletes who pay the highest price. Doping threatens their health and credibility, as well as the credibility of sport and the country they represent. It destroys promising careers and ruins young lives."
Mr. Coderre said Canada is playing a leadership role in the international effort to curb the use of banned drugs and other prohibited doping practices in sport. He noted that Canada represents the Americas at the new World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and he is campaigning to have the WADA headquarters located in Canada.
Mr. Coderre said that because drugs in sport is a global problem, it requires a global approach. That's why in addition to anti-doping measures in Canada, comparable measures are required around the world.
"We must work to harmonize these laws and measures so anti-doping decisions can be enforced, regardless of the country where the violation takes place," Mr. Coderre added.
Information:
Patrick L. Doyon
Director of Communications
Office of the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
(919) 994-9909
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