After receiving harsh criticism for its treatment of reported sexual assaults, Hockey Canada’s CEO and entire board of directors have decided to resign.
The withdrawals were revealed by the national organisation in a statement on Tuesday, following months of requests for leadership changes within the group and the departure of its key sponsors in the previous week.
“(Hockey Canada’s board) announced the immediate dismissal of chief executive officer Scott Smith.” “The entire board has also agreed to stand down in order to make place for a new slate of directors,” according to the statement.
“An interim management committee will be formed to govern the organisation until a newly formed board picks a new CEO to lead the organisation.”
Furthermore, Hockey Canada stated that the board will invite its members to choose a new slate of directors no later than the forthcoming virtual election on December 17.
The present board of directors will not seek re-election and will continue to perform “its fiduciary duties until a new board is elected.”
“Hockey Canada is looking for board members to help determine the organization’s future.” “We invite qualified individuals to reply to the independent nominating committee’s request for nominations released last week,” the statement stated.
According to Hockey Canada, the interim management committee will focus on day-to-day operations and ensure progress on its action plan, which includes reviewing and working with the board toward “full implementation of the independent governance review recommendations” and an effective transition to a new CEO and board of directors.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the resignations “an important step forward,” but said it took Hockey Canada’s leadership far too long to make the decision. He also stated that he anticipates the organisation doing more to transform the culture of the sport in order to benefit athletes, employees, and youngsters across the country.
“There is still work to be done to alter the culture at Hockey Canada,” he said, “but today was an essential starting step.”
Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge in a statement stated that Hockey Canada’s announcement was “the appropriate decision.”
“While we appreciate this news,” she said, “the interim management committee must be made up of people who want to see meaningful change.”
Here is my statement on the resignation of the leaders of Hockey Canada: pic.twitter.com/aaOu4GqN1g
— Pascale St-Onge (@PascaleStOnge_) October 11, 2022
“We anticipate that Hockey Canada will aggressively strive toward a team whose experience will contribute to greater player support and training, as well as an atmosphere free of sexual harassment and discrimination.”
Hockey Canada must develop not only exceptional athletes, but also “decent citizens who respect women, the society, and the law,” according to St-Onge.
“The case of Hockey Canada demonstrates that national sport organisations’ governance and leadership impact how allegations of sexual violence, abuse, and other forms of maltreatment are managed,” she added.
“That is why I am determined to continue working with partners, especially athletes, to transform sport in Canada and make every organisation we fund more open and responsible.”
