Members of parliament grilled members of Sport Canada today for its seemingly lackadaisical approach to keeping powerful groups like Hockey Canada honest in the face of serious sexual assault allegations.
Sport Canada was made aware of the alleged sexual assault allegation in 2018 involving 8 Junior National Team members.
While Hockey Canada has been heavily criticized over the investigation, Sport Canada, the federal body that funds national sporting organizations was also revealed to be complicit.
Hockey journalist Ken Campbell says Hockey Canada on average receives anywhere between $5 to 9 million from Sport Canada every year. Current Minister of Sport Pascale St-Onge stopped the payments once the allegations came to light last month.
While Hockey Canada set out plans to change its ways, St-Onge questioned whether more needs to be done. “Are there enough women in significant leadership positions within Hockey Canada to provide needed perspective on sexual violence and its impact? The whole country is watching,” St-Onge said.
The hearing for the 2018 case is underway as more revelations appear for another incident in 2003 involving another Canadian Junior hockey team. Edmonton is set to host the World Juniors next month.
Former NHL player and sexual abuse survivor Sheldon Kennedy reacted to the hearing today demanding the resignation of Hockey Canada CEO Scott Smith, and the entire leadership team and board of directors to follow suit.
