Former Supreme Court of Canada justice Thomas Cromwell will lead an independent review of Hockey Canada’s structures and systems following a series of sex scandals. .“This comprehensive governance review is a critical step to restoring trust with Canadians and ensuring we have the right people and systems in place to deliver on our Action Plan to improve Canada’s game,” said Hockey Canada Board of Directors chair Michael Brind’Amour in a Thursday statement. .“We have heard Canadians loud and clear and are committed to making the changes necessary to allow us to be the organization Canadians expect.”.The statement said recent events made Canadians lose trust in Hockey Canada. It said this review will help to elevate people’s expectations and bring about positive change. .This review will examine Hockey Canada and make recommendations to ensure its structures and systems are geared to the best policies and practices of similar national sports organizations. Once complete, the review will provide recommendations on changes to make. .Cromwell will be supported in this review by Borden Ladner Gervais lawyers Victoria Prince and Nadia Effendi. .The statement said the review will begin right away and is anticipated to provide interim recommendations before Hockey Canada’s annual general meeting in November. .Hockey Canada released a plan to deal with its toxic culture on July 25. .READ MORE: Hockey Canada releases action plan to combat the 'toxic' culture.“We recognize there's an urgent need to address the types of behaviours that are rightly causing Canadians to question aspects of our game,” said Hockey Canada president and CEO Scott Smith. .The action plan involves “commitments in key areas of accountability, governance, independent sport safety checks, and standards, education, and training.”.Conservative MPs Karen Vecchio and John Nater demanded on July 27 the Canadian government punish Hockey Canada for mishandling sexual assault allegations. .READ MORE: Conservative MPs call for Hockey Canada to be held accountable for negligence.“The hearings at the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage into Hockey Canada’s involvement in allegations of sexual assault have heard the testimony of a secretive and unaccountable organization where allegations of sexual assault have been covered up,” said Vecchio and Nater..“This has to change.”.Due to a high level of spam content being posted in our comment section below, all comments undergo manual approval by a staff member during regular business hours (Monday - Friday). Your patience is appreciated.
