Moncton, Halifax Mayors Concerned About Hockey Canada’s ‘Lack Of Judgement And Professionalism’
The mayors of Moncton and Halifax have added their names to the growing chorus of critics concerned about how Hockey Canada has handled sexual assault allegations involving players.
The two cities will be sharing games for this year’s World Junior Hockey Championship which is set to begin on December 26.
Moncton mayor Dawn Arnold and Halifax mayor Mike Savage released a joint statement on Friday afternoon as follows:
“Halifax and Moncton have always been events cities and hockey towns and we shared the excitement of co-hosting the 2023 IIHF Men’s World Junior Championship…but we are deeply concerned about Hockey Canada’s lack of judgement and professionalism,” they said.
They want to see Hockey Canada take action before the world junior tournament, but don’t spell out what kind of change they’re looking for.
“We look for meaningful changes within Hockey Canada prior to the World Junior Championship taking place in our cities,” they said. “As Mayors we have discussed our growing concerns as the Hockey Canada situation has unfolded and we believe accountability is paramount. We will be discussing this matter further with our Council colleagues and provincial hosting partners.”
Hockey New Brunswick is currently taking a wait-and-see approach after growing concerns over Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual assault allegations.
In a statement, Hockey New Brunswick (HNB) Executive Director Nic Jansen says they are awaiting the results of an independent governance review of Hockey Canada before determining their next steps.
He adds that they understand the concerns raised by membership and others across the country and they are taking steps to address them.
“HNB, as the provincial governing body for hockey, is firmly committed to driving the sport’s cultural change. As an organization, we are actively working to create educational opportunities for our membership,” said the statement.
“We have engaged subject matter experts on the topics of sexual violence, masculinity, maltreatment, and discrimination. We are promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and incorporating these important values across the organization.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that Hockey Canada has lost the confidence of Canadians.
“The total loss of faith in that organization by everyone means that it’s nonsensical that they’re digging in their heels on this one. There needs to be wholesale change,” said the PM.
Trudeau said there is a lack of understanding that they’ve lost Canadians’ confidence, and the sooner they get to that, the better it will be for everyone.
Many sponsors like Canadian Tire, Telus and Tim Hortons have completely backed away from the men’s national program, and will not sponsor the World Juniors in Halifax and Moncton this year.
With files from Tara Clow, Kevin Northup and Allan Dearing of Acadia Broadcasting.