OTTAWA - The New Democrats have introduced a private member's bill to tackle growing concerns about injuries -- especially head injuries -- in sports.
The bill brought in by party sports critic Glenn Thibeault would create a national database to track sports injuries.
It calls for a conference of federal and provincial health ministers, doctors and the sports community to produce a strategy to deal with the problem.
The bill would also establish guidelines to ensure athletes can't be pressured to return to play before they are healthy.
Thibeault says there's a concussion epidemic in sports these days, citing NHL star Sidney Crosby's recent injury as an example.
Private member's bills rarely become law.
Thibeault said there are many opinions about concussions in sport and his bill would allow all views to be able to thrash out the matter.
"This would provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to step forward and speak freely," he said. "It would offer a chance for the creation of a co-ordinated strategy moving forward.
"We need to encourage participation in sport. However, we also have a responsibility to ensure it's a safe space for our athletes. Doing nothing just isn't an option."
