Sports Secretary Says Hockey Canada’s Leadership Has Yet To Change Following Chairman’s Resignation
Canada’s sports minister says Hockey Canada must continue transition to new leadership team.
Pascale St-Onge made the statement Sunday, a day after Andrea Skinner stepped down as interim chair of Hockey Canada’s board of directors. The national sporting body continues to face widespread criticism for its handling of an alleged sexual assault by a group involving members of the 2018 men’s junior national team and for paying out settlements in court cases.
Skinner, who took over the role in August after Michael Brind’Amour resigned from his post, resigned after testifying before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on Tuesday.
St-Onge said that Skinner and Brind’Amour’s resignations were “steps in the right direction.”
“This must now be followed by a process of meaningful changes in Hockey Canada’s values and culture,” St-Onge said in a statement. “We hope the remaining members will actively work toward the transition to a new leadership and governance team that can provide the education and support players need and create an environment free of sexual violence, abuse and discrimination is.”
Skinner and Brind’Amour were grilled by the committee on Tuesday. Members of Parliament in committee hearings have demanded to know why Hockey Canada President Scott Smith has not yet been fired.
Skinner vigorously defended the National Sport Organization’s leadership group at the parliamentary hearing. She insisted hockey should not be made a “scapegoat” or “centerpiece” for a toxic culture that exists elsewhere in society, citing politicians who have been accused of sexual misconduct.
St-Onge said in her statement that Hockey Canada’s mission goes beyond performance on the ice.
“We expect Hockey Canada not only to produce exceptional athletes, but also to educate and develop citizens who respect women, the public and Canadian law,” St-Onge said.
Sébastien Lemire, a Bloc-Québécois MP who sits on the Canadian Heritage Standing Committee, tweeted in French on Sunday that Hockey Canada must keep cleaning “for the good of all.”
The fallout from Skinner and Brind’Amour’s testimony came quickly.
Nike on Friday suspended corporate sponsorship of Hockey Canada to join three other leading partners — Tim Hortons, Esso and Telus — to end support for hockey’s governing body.
Other provincial hockey associations began withholding Hockey Canada player fees.
Hockey NL and Hockey New Brunswick both withdrew their $3-per-player fees Friday to Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia.
“Having thought about it, it is clear to me from recent events that there is no longer any point in me continuing to volunteer my time as interim chair or as director of the organization,” Skinner wrote in Saturday’s statement.
The Toronto attorney said she was “satisfied” for the opportunity to work with people at the organization “despite recent challenges.”
“I truly appreciate the support I have received from many Canadians, especially women, who are also trying to make a positive impact on the game and the sport,” Skinner wrote.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on October 9, 2022.
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