The Alberta Equestrian Federation Society (AEF) is proud to share a significant milestone for our sport and our entire community with the launch of Alberta’s province-wide Safe Sport system.
The Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM) is Alberta’s independent provincial Safe Sport system, through which all concerns related to safe sport conduct during AEF activities must be reported. Submitted concerns are then reviewed and directed to the appropriate jurisdiction, including both provincial and national processes, where applicable.
After several years of collaborative work across the provincial sport sector, Alberta has officially launched their own province-wide Safe Sport system. AEF has been actively involved in this work and is proud to now formally adopt:
“Safe Sport has been a priority for AEF for several years,” said Sonia Dantu, Executive Director. “This is an important step forward for sport in Alberta, and we are proud to have contributed to the development of a system that strengthens accountability, protects participants, supports a culture of respect across our community, and contributes to the long-term sustainability of our sport.”
What this means for all AEF event and activity participants
With the adoption of these policies:
All AEF participants are bound by the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct.
This applies to all members of AEF, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff, and board members.
The AB UCC establishes clear, province-wide expectations for behaviour and defines prohibited conduct, including various forms of maltreatment such as discrimination, harassment, and boundary violations.
By participating in AEF activities, members contribute to a collective commitment that upholds these standards and supports a safe sport environment for all.
“Safe Sport is a collective responsibility.”
Sonia Dantu, Executive Director, AEF
Independent reporting through the ABSSCM
AEF has also adopted the ABSSCM as the exclusive, independent process for reporting and addressing serious misconduct.
Reports are managed by an Independent Third Party (ITP).
The system ensures neutral, fair, and consistent handling of complaints across Alberta.
The system applies to all AEF members and AEF-related activities where concerns involve prohibited behaviour (maltreatment).
The ABSSCM provides a structured, independent process to address serious concerns such as abuse, harassment, discrimination, neglect, and other forms of maltreatment, with clear pathways for reporting, investigation, and resolution.
Our shared commitment to Safe Sport
“Safe Sport is a collective responsibility,” says Dantu. “All participants at AEF events and activities are expected to act with respect, integrity, and professionalism, maintain and respect appropriate boundaries, prioritize the safety and well-being of others, and report any concerns in good faith.”
Learn more and access resources
We encourage all members to review the full details, including our Safe Sport policies and reporting information:
The development and adoption of Safe Sport and the ABSSCM has been a significant, multi-year effort across Alberta sport community.
AEF is proud to have contributed to this work and to stand alongside the Government of Alberta, Alberta Sport Leadership Association and our fellow provincial sport partners in implementing a system that:
Protects participants
Strengthens accountability
Supports a culture of respect and safety
Says Dantu, “We recognize that Safe Sport is ongoing work. This is an important step, and one we take seriously.”