From silos to synergies: a network perspective of the Canadian sport system

This paper examines the recent Canadian Sport Policy documents intended to improve Canada's fragmented system. Content analyses from six regional conferences in Canada were used to enhance our understanding of regional sport policy in Canada. The results of this study indicate that the administrative structure, the degree of network coupling and the strength of ties between actors are reflective of low levels of integration in the network of sport providers. The need for new resources represents a central focus of the sport policy and offers a catalyst for change. This research moves beyond broad policy statements pertaining to the need for more cooperation and collaboration in the Canadian Sport system to providing meaningful indicators of barriers of poor integration, while at the same time recognising the need for regional views.