CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has had its funding from the Government of Canada restored, effective immediately. The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport, made the announcement in Brampton, Ont., ahead of the gold medal game at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
“Today marks an important milestone for Hockey Canada in our journey to earn and maintain the trust of Canadians,” said The Hon. Hugh L. Fraser, chair of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors. “While I would like to thank Minister St-Onge and the government for their vote of confidence and for their ongoing efforts to prioritize safe sport in Canada, I also wish to stress that we still have work to do to change the culture of our sport.
“This is a significant moment for the future of Hockey Canada, and hockey in Canada, as it will enable us to further our commitment to supporting all levels of the sport. We thank the Minister and the government for placing their trust in us, and we look forward to working with them to make hockey safer from coast to coast to coast.”
In order to have its funding reinstated, Hockey Canada has met three conditions outlined by Minister St-Onge: become a full-signatory to Abuse-Free Sport and the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner; continue to review and implement the recommendations from the independent governance review led by The Hon. Thomas Cromwell, C.C.; and commit to more frequent reporting to the Government of Canada.
Last month, the Hockey Canada Board of Directors met with Minister St-Onge and advised her that while significant progress has been made since the board was elected in December, it recognizes and appreciate that there is more work to be done, and committed that Hockey Canada will continue to be transparent and accountable to her and all Canadians moving forward.
