As Hockey Canada defends itself amidst revelations it paid millions in cash settlements to complainants of sexual abuse allegations, New Brunswick's premier said the province is considering cutting ties with the World Juniors tournament..Moncton and Halifax are set to host the tournament from December 26, 2022 to January 5, 2023, but Premier Blaine Higgs said Friday that the province is considering withdrawing its sponsorship of the event.."All considerations are part of the equation. Let's hope it doesn't get that far," he said..Hockey Canada has confirmed it paid out $8.9 million in settlements to 21 complainants with sexual misconduct claims against its players dating back to 1989. Some of the abuse allegations involve players from the 2018 and 2003 World Junior's men's teams. The allegations have not been tested in court..Higgs said he would like to see "real good assurance" that the situation is being dealt with appropriately, adding that the allegations are "unacceptable."."We haven't received the confirmation yet that gives either my colleagues in Nova Scotia or myself that comfort," he said..When asked what he'd need to see done, Higgs said "people-change, organizations have a different governance model."."To date, we have not seen an appropriate action," Higgs said. .The last few days have brought a flurry of sponsorship cancellations for Hockey Canada. Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, Telus, and the Bank of Nova Scotia announced they would be pulling support for the organization..“We are deeply disheartened by the lack of action and commitment from Hockey Canada to drive necessary cultural change,” Richard Gilhooley, Telus spokesperson, said in a statement..“We’re deeply disappointed in the lack of progress that Hockey Canada has made to date," said Michael Oliveira, Tim Hortons director of communications..READ MORE: UPDATED: Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Tire, and Telus put Hockey Canada in the penalty box.Hockey Manitoba has also called on Hockey Canada’s leadership and board of directors to resign. “Hockey Manitoba’s board of directors support the call by Members of Parliament for a change in Hockey Canada’s leadership at the senior staff level and board."
