OTTAWA—The New Democrats on Tuesday called for a royal commission into violence in sports.

“It’s high time this situation was taken seriously,” said NDP sports critic MP Glenn Thibeault.

He said lacing up a pair of skates doesn’t given a person the right to kill or injure.

“The violence has to stop for our kid’s sake,” the Sudbury MP told a press conference.

Deputy NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair (Outremont) said action must be taken now to stop the “gratuitous” violence that is a recurring problem in sports, particularly hockey.

“The police and prosecutors need to explain why so few charges are laid following such acts at sporting events,” Mulcair said.

“We are heading for a situation where somebody is going to get killed,” he said.

The two MPs said only a royal commission would provide the non-partisan forum to investigate sport violence.

Thibeault said if something is not done soon Canada’s national game could be permanently damaged.

The elbow by Patrice Cormier to Quebec Remparts defenceman Mikael Tam’s head has brought new focus to the growing public concern over violence, the MPs said.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Read more about: