Justin Trudeau says the federal government is not responsible for creating organizations.
But as scandal-ridden Hockey Canada continues to vigorously defend its leadership amid a flood of criticism over the national organization’s handling of alleged sexual assaults – and how the money was disbursed for settle the lawsuits – the Prime Minister has opened the door to this possibility. Thursday.
“There has to be a sea change,” Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. “They have to realize that if we’re going to create an organization, get rid of Hockey Canada and create an organization called ‘Canada Hockey’ instead, people will consider doing it.”
The comments came during another challenging week for the federation following Tuesday’s Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage meeting, where former Hockey Canada Board Chair Michael Brind’Amour and President Par Interim Andrea Skinner were asked why Chairman and CEO Scott Smith was not fired.
The parliamentarians also wanted to know why an expensive public relations firm had been hired by Hockey Canada to help limit the damage.
“I think it would have a very negative impact on all of our boys and girls who play hockey,” Skinner said Tuesday of mass resignations or layoffs. “Will the lights stay on at the rink? I don’t know. We can’t predict that.
“To me, it’s not a risk worth taking.”
Trudeau said Thursday that the federation had “completely lost the trust of Canadians,” adding that it was “inconceivable” that the federation would remain firmly behind its current leaders.
“It’s not like there’s anything extraordinarily special about the folks at Hockey Canada that means they’re the only people in the country who can lead an organization like this,” said the first. minister.
“There are a lot of people who could run it, and unfortunately the complete loss of faith in this organization by everyone means it’s absurd for them to go after this one.”
The federal government suspended funding to Hockey Canada in the spring after news broke that it had quickly and quietly settled a $3.55 million lawsuit with a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by eight players – including members of the country’s World Junior Team – after a 2018 gala in London, Ont.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Among other revelations that followed, Hockey Canada dipped into a fund partly fed by minor hockey registration fees to pay for uninsured liabilities, including sexual abuse claims. Halifax police were also later asked to investigate an alleged sexual assault by members of the 2003 junior men’s team.
Hockey Canada officials have been called to testify on Parliament Hill three times since mid-June.
It was revealed during the July hearings that Hockey Canada had paid out $7.6 million in nine settlements related to sexual assault and abuse claims since 1989.
This figure did not include this year’s undisclosed payment to the London plaintiff. Hockey Canada said the majority of the $7.6 million went to victims of junior hockey coach Graham James.
Faced with the loss of corporate sponsorships and public outcry, the organization released an action plan to address safe sport issues in July. He also appointed former Supreme Court Justice Thomas Cromwell to lead a governance review.
Meanwhile, two provincial hockey organizations disavowed Hockey Canada this week for its handling of the allegations.
Hockey Quebec said it has lost faith in Hockey Canada and will not transfer funds to the national organization.
The Ontario Hockey Federation, the largest provincial and territorial hockey association with more than 200,000 members, has asked Hockey Canada a second time not to collect the $3 participant assessment fee from its members for the 2022-2023 season.
On the sponsorship front, Canadian Tire Corp. announced Thursday that the retailer has ended its partnership with Hockey Canada.
Tim Hortons, Telus Corp. and Scotiabank have all withdrawn funding from men’s programs for the upcoming season, but will continue to support women’s, Para and grassroots programs.
The companies all initially suspended sponsorship funds for the men’s program in the spring.
“We don’t understand that they have lost the trust of Canadians,” Trudeau said Thursday.
“And the sooner they get there, the better for everyone.”
Sports Min. @PascaleStOnge_ post-cabinet on Hockey Canada later:
“I hope they get the message and leave before they burn it down…To renew this organization, you have to rebuild it.” #cdnpoli
— Rachel Aiello (@rachaiello) October 6, 2022
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on October 6, 2022.