Hockey Canada President Scott Smith may have received a vote of confidence from the federation’s board of directors earlier this week, but he didn’t get that from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
• Also read: Hockey Canada: Scott Smith Receives Board Support
The politician believes that by handling allegations of sexual misconduct, Hockey Canada has simply lost the trust of the people in the country.
“As a politician, but especially as a parent, I know how important the organizations that are there to provide activities, learning, team and community spirit and inspiration to so many of our young people across the country have the trust of Canadians and parents need the culture they share with our young people, said Mr. Trudeau in Ottawa. It is very clear that the government and Canadians have had a lack of confidence in Hockey Canada’s management for several months.
“The longer it takes them to understand this fact, which seems pretty obvious to me, the worse things will get for them and the more pointed there will be questions as to why they don’t understand how much real change is needed.”
Hockey Canada has been in hot water since an alleged gang rape committed by Junior Team Canada players in 2018 hit the media. The association then used an emergency fund to buy the victim’s silence.
Since then, another story of sexual misconduct has come to light, this time in 2003. CEO Michael Brind’Amour has since resigned.