by Note to editors: This story contains alleged accounts of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or at https://www.rainn.org
CALGARY, Alberta (AP) – Michael Brind’Amour has resigned as the chairman of Hockey Canada’s board of directors amid scrutiny of the organization over its handling of sexual assault allegations against former members of the men’s junior team. .
Hockey Canada announced his retirement in a statement on Saturday.
“I have listened carefully and carefully to the views of Canadians about the culture of our sport and our organization, and about our actions and our leadership,” Brind’Amour said in the statement. “I understand that the measures we have taken in recent weeks are part of the solution.
“My last term ends in November 2022, and I know there is no need to wait for a new era. Immediate action is essential to address the important challenges facing our organization and our sport, which our Action Plan works to achieve.
“I would not be able to complete this renewal.”
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Brind’Amour was elected as board chairman in 2018.
The federal government froze Hockey Canada’s funding after it was revealed the organization had quietly settled a lawsuit with a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by members of the 2018 men’s junior team at Hockey Canada’s gala in London, Ontario last year. that.
Since then, Hockey Canada has said members of the 2003 junior team are under investigation for an alleged sexual assault in Nova Scotia.
Canada’s sports minister, Pascale St-Onge, is withholding funds until she is satisfied that Hockey Canada meets its conditions, which were a financial audit of the organization, producing a third-party law firm’s review recommendations. and an action plan for the change, as well. as the signing of the office of the new commissioner for sports integrity.
Sheldon Kennedy, a former NHL player and victim’s rights advocate, was among those who called on Hockey Canada’s leadership to step down.
“We’re starting to see cracks in the fortress, and that’s where the light comes in,” St-Onge said Saturday in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where she met with provincial and territorial sports leaders on the eve of the Canada Games. . “Canadians have sent a clear message to Hockey Canada that a real change of leadership is needed and this is at every level within the organization.”
