Systemic Negligence: Ontario's Failure to Mandate Camp Background Checks

The recent revelation that a lead instructor at a Kawartha Lakes hockey camp pleaded guilty to assaulting children is more than a failure of a single organization; it is a symptom of systemic negligence by the province of Ontario. As first reported by CBC News, the government's failure to mandate background checks for summer camp staff has effectively prioritized administrative ease over the fundamental safety of children.

According to CBC News, Bradley Gibbs—a Durham Regional Police officer—served as a lead instructor at KL Hockey, a camp providing day and overnight programming for youth in July and August. In April, Gibbs pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting children who were known to him, a fact confirmed by his lawyer. Despite these guilty pleas, Gibbs remained in a position of authority at the camp for weeks this summer, described on the organization's website as an "active coach and mentor."

This scenario was legally permissible because there is currently no Ontario legislation requiring summer camps to screen staff who work with children. There is no provincial mandate for criminal record checks or more comprehensive vulnerable sector checks. Although the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) mandates that its 400-plus accredited members vet their staff, joining the non-profit is completely voluntary. Because KL Hockey was not part of the OCA, it was not bound by any such standards.

***

**Opinion: The Cost of Voluntary Safety**

Allowing child safety to rely on voluntary membership in a non-profit organization is an abdication of government responsibility. The current framework creates a tiered system of protection where some children are screened for safety and others are left to the discretion of camp owners. In the case of KL Hockey, the lack of oversight allowed a convicted child abuser to maintain access to vulnerable youth.

***

The danger of this "big gap," as described by Puneet Tiwari, an employment litigator and partner at Levitt LLP, cannot be overstated. Tiwari suggests the province should implement legislation requiring vulnerable sector checks—screenings specifically designed for those working with vulnerable groups like children. As noted by the province's own website, these checks provide more detail than a standard criminal record check, including information on arrest warrants, outstanding charges, and conditional discharges.

Even the Durham Regional Police Service website lists coaches as individuals who may require such checks, yet the province has failed to codify this requirement for the summer camp industry.

After CBC News contacted the camp and Gibbs, Gibbs stepped down one day later. In an email to parents, camp leadership stated they had supported Gibbs through a "personal legal matter," though they did not clarify if they were aware of the guilty pleas. Camp director Amanda Tayles stated in a written comment that Gibbs "has publicly taken accountability for his personal actions" and claimed the camp's focus remains on a safe environment. However, a victim of Gibbs, speaking to CBC News, expressed grave concern over the fact that Gibbs co-founded the camp and that leadership was aware of the pleas.

Gibbs remains employed by the Durham Regional Police Services in an administrative role, redeployed from frontline patrol. Const. Nicholas Gluckstein stated that internal disciplinary proceedings will be informed by the outcome of the criminal matter and sentencing, which is expected in September.

Until Ontario moves from a voluntary vetting model to a legislated mandate, the safety of children in summer camps will remain a matter of chance rather than a guarantee of law.