Under New Governance? Examining the Role of Canadian Sport for Life in Sport Policy and Governance

Abstract

This investigation examined the role of Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) as a newly emerging phenomenon within Canadian sport. In drawing upon the notions of governance theory or the so-called ‘governance narrative,’ the inquiry sought to answer the question: What is the role of CS4L within sport policy and governance? An embedded, explanatory, case study design was employed using semi-structured interviews with CS4L leadership team members and senior Sport Canada officials. Interviews were supplemented by documentation, workshop/conference observations, and conference attendance data. The results examined the emergence and development of CS4L within the context of Canadian sport policy and CS4L’s relationship with Sport Canada. Ultimately, this thesis contends that CS4L can be viewed as a fundamental shift from government to governance, however, Sport Canada still remains the central actor within Canadian sport with CS4L being used as a tool to achieve the objectives of the state.