When he arrived as Hockey Quebec’s general manager, Jocelyn Thibault promised a culture change. With the recommendations published in BNP Performance’s independent report, he has a good base of files to work on in the coming years.
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The 20-page document, which was handed over to the members and representatives of the administrative regions on Friday evening, reveals the issues of roles and governance.
An aspect that Thibault had noticed since he took office.
“It was very important to redefine the role of Hockey Quebec,” said the former NHL goaltender. We have a role as managers of our sport.
“Regions and smaller ice hockey associations are autonomous. Sometimes we asked about things, but we had no answers. Our approach should be accompanied by an independent company.
“We received ten recommendations and want to implement them. We need better accountability and top-down alignment. You can’t miss this curve. »
A revolution
Hockey Quebec CEO Claude Fortin does not hesitate to speak of a “revolution” within the federation.
“There are major changes coming to the composition of the Board of Directors with a matrix and a term of office,” he said. There will be clearly defined things to ensure succession and the sustainability of the organization.
“We are at a very important moment in the association. You have to go back to 2002 to witness such a big change. »
Judge Cromwell’s report on the governance of Hockey Canada was a benchmark in the HQ process.
“There are elements that we used,” Fortin added. We have evolved as the file progressed. »
A second independent report will be presented in September. Always from BNP Performance. According to Thibault and Fortin, this revolution could take several years.
The famous base
Since the beginning of his tenure, Thibault has been aware of the state of relations between his federation, the regions and the federations. It’s not always good.
“We have to make sure with our regions that we network well with our associations,” said the Director General. Our role is to create policies and programs and to guide our grassroots in implementing them.
“When they need resources, our job is to support them, not take their place. »
Sustainable changes
Over the past few decades we have often seen announcements or reports of minor hockey from Hockey Quebec.
Will this report allow this federation to make lasting changes to revitalize this sport in Quebec? We will know in the years to come.
One thing is for sure. The challenge for Jocelyn Thibault and the board is great. If they want it to work, they will take concrete action on their part. On the other hand, the regions and local associations have to buy the plan from their association. Easier said than done, but the intentions are there.
HERE ARE THE 10 RECOMMENDATIONS
*Source: BNP performance report
An easier task for volunteers
The connection between Hockey Quebec and its administrative regions has been audited by the independent firm. There is still work to be done before efficiency is optimal.
The independent report’s recommendations include a complete overhaul of the Standing Committee of the Regions. Some regional presidents might wince at this point.
“We want to help the regions. Join her, Jocelyn Thibault indicated. Then we want the regions to support their smaller associations.
“Our model is based on volunteer work. More and more permanent employees are settling in the regions. It’s the same in clubs.
“If you look at our current model in 5 or 10 years, that’s alarming. We want to unburden the volunteers by supporting them and doing the same for those of tomorrow. »
An innovation
This weekend, Hockey Quebec will innovate by presenting the report to its members. The Standing Commission of the Regions will sit in one room with the Board of Directors.
And in another room, Thibault will hold operational talks with other members of the regions.
“We want to show the direction we want to take and raise awareness of the role of politics in strategic direction and governance,” said Chairman of the Board Claude Fortin.
“Our goal is not to impose ourselves in the regions, but to support and help them. They need that. »
Charest is aware of this
Sports Minister Isabelle Charest received a copy of the report.
“She knows our procedures and information from the board,” said Thibault. We are well prepared for this.
“Management’s right is important and it is fundamental that she agrees. She is satisfied and supports our efforts. »