A local Quebec hockey association says it will not send any more funds to Hockey Canada and is calling on other associations to also cut ties with the beleaguered organization.
The Granby Minor Hockey Association announced the decision after parent and coach Francois Lemay called for a freeze resolution and others to follow suit.
After that, the national federation came under intense scrutiny the revelation quietly settled a lawsuit by a woman who claimed she was assaulted by eight players after a gala event in London, Ontario, four years ago.
“Parents’ money will not go to Hockey Canada until action is taken.” It’s a matter of respect and a message to our boys and girls,” Lemay told Radio-Canada.
A meeting between the local associations and Hockey Quebec is expected to take place on Wednesday.
Hockey Canada executives told a House of Commons committee Wednesday that they have paid $8.9 million in sexual-assault settlements to 21 complainants since 1989.
Nine of those claims came from its “National Equity Fund,” Hockey Canada Chief Financial Officer Brian Cairo told the commission, generated largely from membership fees.
Their contribution corresponds to approximately $25 per player.
“Counterproductive”
Remy Meunier, the general manager of Hockey Estrie, has mixed feelings about the push for a massive withdrawal of funding. A boycott could deprive players of services and funding coming from the national level.
“This has to be done together. We are in an extremely uncomfortable position,” Meunier told Radio-Canada.
Jocelyn Thibault, the CEO of Hockey Quebec, says pulling funding so close to a new season could cause headaches. (Radio-Canada)
The provincial organization shared the same concerns.
Insurance, player registration and certification of coaches and officials are guaranteed through these financial commitments, said Jocelyn Thibault, director general of Hockey Quebec.
“A few days, a few weeks before the season starts, I don’t see how it would be possible, to be honest,” Thibault said.
Thibault said that with the new season not far away, severing those ties could be a headache, but added that he understands the parents’ discomfort.
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