Scott Smith left his role as Hockey Canada's president and CEO on Tuesday after months of controversy over how the national sport organization handled allegations that a group sexual assault involving members of the 2018. The entire board of directors also resigned.
The wholesale change at the national sport organization came after a disastrous hearing involving Hockey Canada executives before the standing committee for Heritage Canada last week.
Here are some reactions from across Canada on the leadership change at Hockey Canada:
"If the heritage committee had not gone as badly as it did last week for Hockey Canada, I don't think this would have happened. This wasn't their intention going into the meeting. Their intent on the way to the meeting was to tell everybody that the media was all wrong and they were being scapegoated and they were fine. And, and I think that then the meeting and everything that followed from it has led to this." — Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, who sits on the Heritage Committee
"After months of pressure from MPs, sponsors, the media and the general public, the leadership at Hockey Canada has now accepted the evidence. The inquiries will now follow their course and we will continue to demand an independent inquiry to shed some light on the dated and opaque management of Hockey Canada and force a real examination of its practices." — Bloc Québécois MP Sebastien Lemire, who sits on the Heritage Committee
"I think the weight of all of the decisions taken by sponsors, by provincial federations, and the reaction of the general public sent a very clear, unmistakable signal to the leadership of Hockey Canada. That is important, although the federal government needs to step up now. The federal government has basically had hands off attitude on Hockey Canada up until just a few months ago." — NDP MP Peter Julian, who sits on the Heritage Committee
"Hockey Canada is in serious need of fundamental change. I have been clear to Canadians that such change could not occur under leadership which has been responsible for a culture that condoned sexual violence over the past several decades. I am hopeful a new CEO and board of directors will be able to bring about the much-needed change Canadians expect.” Conservative MP John Nater, who sits on the Heritage Committee
"The Ontario Hockey Federation recognizes the changes made by Hockey Canada and believes this is a good first step in addressing the challenges ahead. This is an incredibly important juncture in our game’s history, and it cannot be understated that trust needs to be rebuilt with Canadians — on and off the ice." — Ontario Hockey Federation statement
"This development, which seemed inevitable to us, will permit the organization to take a new look on the challenges that need to be overcome. Now, it is essential for us that future administrators take concrete actions to effectuate in-depth change with regards to respect, integrity and culture. We will be active in proposing solutions and attentive toward the next steps, and we will represent the interests of our players, parents, volunteers and participants." — Hockey Quebec statement
"Now, it is essential to ensure that future directors take concrete action to effect profound change in terms of integrity, respect, and culture. We will be active in proposing solutions, attentive to the next steps and we will represent the best interests of our players, officials, parents, and volunteers. The day-to-day operations of hockey will not be impacted." — Hockey P.E.I. statement
"There are so many people who have been doing important work on the peripheries of hockey, who have never felt welcome by those in power. The folks who've been marginalized, othered, and even ostracized by the hockey status quo ... give them a seat at the table." — former Hometown Hockey host Tara Slone
"A door has opened to evolving hockey culture. The door which was previously dead bolted is now open. It’s not the evolution, it’s an opportunity to evolve. Who they bring in, what is prioritized and how it’s executed matters. The doors are still closed provincially and locally in many instances. Doors need to be opened and removed from the hinges. Before sponsors come back they should really ensure that it’s not new faces same ideology. Changing the culture must be at the forefront." — Brock McGillis, former professional goalie and LGBTQ+ advocate in hockey
""(T)his is not a day of celebration. This is a critical juncture for the game of hockey and Canadian sport. Board and staff replacements do not need to be rushed, they need to be strategic. The focus has to be on the membership, kids, families, and volunteers. We need an inclusive, respectful and safe Hockey system at all levels across Canada. With strong focus and proper due diligence, we are confident this can be accomplished and make us all proud again." — Respect Group, an anti-bullying, abuse and harassment advocacy group co-founded by former NHLer Sheldon Kennedy
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 11, 2022.
The Canadian Press
