Editor’s Note: This story contains claims of alleged sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 or https://www.rainn.org
CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Michael Brind’Amour has resigned as chairman of the Canadian Hockey Council as the organization deals with allegations of sexual assault against former men’s youth team members subject to scrutiny.
The Canadian Hockey Association announced his resignation in a statement Saturday.
“I have listened carefully and attentively to Canadians’ comments about our sports culture and our organization, as well as our actions and leadership,” Blinder Armour said in the statement. “I am aware of the actions we have taken in recent weeks. is part of the solution.
“With my final term ending in November 2022, I know there is no need to wait for a new era. Immediate action is critical to addressing the important challenges facing our organization and our movement, and our action plan is committed to achieve these challenges.
“I won’t be able to see this update.”
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Brind’Amour was elected board chair in 2018.
The federal government has frozen funding for the Canadian Hockey Association after it was revealed that the organization had quietly settled a lawsuit against a woman who claimed she was attacked by members of the 2018 men’s youth team at the Hockey Canada Gala in London, Ontario that year. of sexual assault.
Since then, the Canadian Hockey Association has said members of the 2003 youth team are under investigation for alleged sexual assault in Nova Scotia.
Canadian Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge will withhold funds until she is satisfied that Hockey Canada has met her conditions, which are a financial audit of the organization, recommendations for third-party law firm review and an action plan for change, and as a signatory to the new Office of the Sports Integrity Commissioner.
Former NHL player and victim rights advocate Sheldon Kennedy is among those calling for the Canadian Hockey Association leadership to step down.
“We’re starting to see cracks in the fort, and that’s how the light gets in,” St-Onge said Saturday in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where she met provincial and territorial sports leaders on the eve of the Canada Games. “Canadians have sent a clear message to Hockey Canada that real leadership change is needed, at every level within the organization.”
