N.L. and N.B. hockey associations address Hockey Canada scandal but don’t cut ties

The provincial hockey associations of New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador are highlighting their efforts to address sexual violence amid criticism the national governing body mishandled alleged sexual assaults.

But Hockey New Brunswick and Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador stopped short of cutting ties with Hockey Canada, as other provincial associations have recently done.

Hockey New Brunswick said in a statement today that it acknowledges growing concern about hockey culture and the sport’s governance in Canada.

It says it is “actively working to create education opportunities” that address sexual violence, masculinity and discrimination.

Meanwhile, Hockey Newfoundland said Thursday it is proud to have recently established a sexual violence prevention program for its members, as well as an LGBTQ2+ policy.

Hockey Canada has been under intense scrutiny since May, when it was revealed an undisclosed settlement had been paid to a woman who alleged in a $3.55-million lawsuit she was sexually assaulted by eight players — including members of the country’s world junior team — after a 2018 gala in London, Ont.

Allegations of gang sexual assault involving the 2003 world junior team emerged in July. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

It has also been revealed that Hockey Canada kept a fund partly maintained by minor hockey registration fees to pay for uninsured liabilities, including sexual assault and abuse claims.

In response, Hockey Ontario, Hockey Quebec and Hockey Nova Scotia have distanced themselves from the national governing body over the past week.

Hockey Nova Scotia said Thursday it has “lost confidence” in Hockey Canada’s leadership and is suspending the transfer of funds to the national organization. Hockey Quebec passed a similar resolution on Wednesday morning, and the Ontario Hockey Federation followed with a request asking Hockey Canada not to collect the $3 participant assessment fee from its more than 200,000 members.