The Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of Hockey Canada says it is implementing a sexual violence prevention program within the wake of a scandal at nationwide headquarters.
As company sponsors sever ties with Hockey Canada and federal officers lambast the group for refusing to overtake its management, Hockey N.L. says its coaching program, in addition to a brand new LGBT coverage, goals to make the game extra inclusive.
“These packages exhibit the place of Hockey NL as being dedicated to enjoying an energetic function in instituting significant change for our sport and its members,” the group mentioned Thursday.
The assertion comes amid accusations leveraged at the guardian group in current months, claiming that administration had been mishandling complaints of gang rapes and sexual violence for years.
Hockey Canada has confirmed it has quietly paid out $8.9 million in settlements to 21 complainants with sexual misconduct claims in opposition to its gamers since 1989.
The group has not too long ago rejected calls from Pascale St-Onge, the federal sport minister, to overtake its management, nevertheless.
“I hope they perceive the message and depart earlier than they burn it to the bottom,” St-Onge mentioned Thursday after a cupboard assembly on Parliament Hill. Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, Skip the Dishes, Sobeys and Telus have all pulled their sponsorships.
A number of provincial chapters of the group have come ahead with their very own statements about Hockey Canada’s refusal to launch mass resignations amongst administration, some extra strongly-worded than others.
Hockey N.L. mentioned in Thursday’s assertion that it “continues to watch and consider the developments in hockey throughout Canada.
“The evaluation and establishment of significant change in our sport, and its governance, is on the forefront of our ideas as we work in direction of a extra clear, collaborative, and protected future for all concerned in our sport.”
Hockey Québec, in the meantime, reduce ties with the nationwide group Wednesday and mentioned it would not switch funds to Hockey Canada.
The Ontario Hockey Federation additionally mentioned it would withhold membership charges for the upcoming season.
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