Hockey Canada published an open letter Thursday and made several announcements, including the reopening of a third-party investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving the 2018 world junior team. .All players involved in the investigation must take part and anyone who declines will be banned from all Hockey Canada’s programs and activities immediately..In the previous investigation, players were only “strongly encouraged” to participate, but it was not mandatory..READ MORE Hockey Canada didn’t require players to take part in 2018 sexual assault investigation.Scott Smith, Hockey Canada CEO, testified last month “12 or 13” of the 19 players on the 2018 world junior team were interviewed in the incomplete original investigation, which closed in September 2020..“We know we have not done enough to address the actions of some members of the 2018 national junior team or to end the culture of toxic behaviour within our game. For that we unreservedly apologize,” wrote Hockey Canada in the open letter..“We know we need to do more to address the behaviours, on and off the ice, that conflict with what Canadians want hockey to be, and which undermine the many good things that the game brings to our country.”.The woman accused eight players of a group sexual assault at an event in London, ON, but none of her allegations were proven in court..Last month, Smith and outgoing CEO Tom Renney were in front of MPs being questioned about the $3.55 million settlement and situation after news broke of the alleged sexual assault..READ MORE Hockey Canada did not use taxpayer funds to settle a $3.5 million sexual assault lawsuit.The federal government paused public funding of Hockey Canada and sponsors also suspended their funding, including Scotiabank, Telus, Tim Hortons, and Esso..“We recognize many of the actions we are taking now should have been taken sooner and faster. We own that and will do better to deliver on our responsibilities to Canadians,” wrote Hockey Canada..Hockey Canada is doing a third-party review of how the organization is governed and commits to becoming a full signatory of the Office of the Integrity Commissioner, which has the power to independently investigate abuse and impose sanctions..Hockey Canada is creating an “independent and confidential complaint mechanism” to support victims and survivors..In Hockey Canada’s letter, they did not agree to release the incomplete or full report to the federal government..“We have heard from Canadians, players, their families, fans, sponsors and those impacted by what occurred in 2018,” wrote Hockey Canada..“We know you are angry and disappointed in Hockey Canada — rightfully so.”.After the investigation is complete “an independent adjudicative panel of current and former judges who will determine the appropriate consequences, which may include a lifetime ban from Hockey Canada activity, on and off the ice.”.The woman who made the sexual assault complaint was interviewed by police and laid no charges..“Our understanding until very recently was the young woman had chosen not to speak to the police,” said Renney in a June 20, 2022, statement. .“We have subsequently learned through her lawyer that she did, in fact, make a complaint to the police, who decided not to lay charges.”.The woman never identified the hockey players involved..“We acknowledge the courage of the young woman involved and respect her decision to participate with the investigation in the manner she chooses,” wrote Hockey Canada..The committee meets again to listen to more witnesses on July 26 and 27 and requested a redacted version of the non-disclosure agreement related to the financial settlement and Hockey Canada communications..Some players are now in the NHL, which opened its own separate investigation..Hockey Canada is releasing an “Action Plan” which “outlines a wide range of steps we are taking within our organization, and with our partners and stakeholders, to advance and improve the culture.”.“Changes to policies and procedures can occur with the stroke of a pen. Those changes are meaningless, however, without an equal commitment to addressing the toxic behaviour that exists in many corners,” wrote Hockey Canada..“We know this change will not occur overnight, but we are committed to learning, and working with our partners to do better.”.In 2020 and 2021, Hockey Canada received $14 million in government funding each year and $3.4 million in COVID-19 subsidies..Hockey Canada reported three alleged sexual assaults in the last few years, including the London incident..“Canadians have been loud and clear: you expect our national sport and those representing it to work hard to earn your trust each day,” wrote Hockey Canada..“We have heard you and are committed to making the changes necessary to allow us to be the organization you expect us to be, and to restore your confidence and trust in us.”
