On June 7, 2025, Québec introduced the Protecteur de l’intégrité en loisir et en sport (PILS) to handle complaints and reports from anyone who feels that their physical or psychological well-being is at risk due to their participation in a sport or recreational activity. People can also report any problems they have witnessed.
A broad role
The PILS helps foster and maintain healthy and safe environments throughout the school and amateur sports landscape. This applies to recreation companies and organizations (e.g., day camps) as well.
People of all ages can contact the PILS, particularly if they have been the victim of or witness to bullying, neglect or violence. Concerned individuals may report anyone from an athlete to a coach, manager, official or volunteer.
The PILS has the power to:
- Conduct investigations following complaints, reports or on its own initiative.
- Act as an inspector when acting on its own initiative or following a report.
- Obtain from the individuals consulted during an investigation any information and documents necessary to carry out the investigation.
- Make recommendations to the target organization to address the reported situations and prevent them from recurring.
How to access PILS services
You can file a complaint or make a report to the PILS:
- Via the online complaint form
- By phone at 1-800-812-4191
- By email
- By mail
After receiving your complaint, the PILS will:
- Hear your version of events and that of the person you are making allegations against.
- Take into account all testimony, information and useful documents.
- Issue its findings and, if necessary, make recommendations to the organization involved within 45 days of receiving the complaint.
Sports and recreation organizations have 15 days to accept or reject the PILS recommendations. If the recommendations are accepted, the PILS will monitor their implementation. If they are not, the Minister Responsible for Sports, Recreation and the Outdoors may order the organization involved to take steps to address the situation.
Limitations on recourse
Please note that the PILS can rarely intervene in cases regarding:
- A referee’s decision
- A player’s inclusion in a lineup
- A team’s ranking
Acts of sexual violence must always be reported to the police. If the victim is a minor, be sure to also report the incident to the Director of Youth Protection (DYP). The PILS complements the roles of the police and the DYP.
If you encounter any problems
Are you facing reprisals after filing a complaint or report with the PILS, or because you are cooperating with a PILS investigation? You are protected by law. Contact the PILS to report the situation.
Having problems with the PILS? The Protecteur du citoyen can sometimes intervene (e.g., if the response time is too long). Feel free to contact us. Our services are confidential, free and easy to use.
