Transparency and accountability will be key pillars in our approach as we lead this new era of change for Hockey Canada. Although our Board is still being briefed, we wish to provide Canadians with an update on the status of Hockey Canada’s third-party investigation into the 2018 incident.
As context, Hockey Canada’s investigation and adjudication process consists of three stages: an investigation stage, an adjudication stage, and an appeal stage. The investigation is conducted by an independent, arm’s-length investigator. Likewise, the adjudication panel that determines what sanction, if any, to impose on a respondent to a complaint is conducted at arm’s length from Hockey Canada. That panel consists of two retired Judges and a senior lawyer. If there is an appeal from an adjudication decision, the appeal panel also operates at arm’s length from Hockey Canada.
The independent investigation of the 2018 incident is now complete, and the investigator has delivered its report to the adjudication panel. The panel is proceeding in an in camera (confidential) process. As this proceeds, all information concerning the contents of the investigator’s report, the adjudication, and any appeal are held in the strictest confidence.
Another reason for ensuring confidentiality is that we do not want to jeopardize the ongoing investigation of the London Police Service. Hockey Canada is cooperating with the authorities, and our independent investigator has complied fully.
While acknowledging that it cannot change what happened in the past, the Hockey Canada Board of Directors wishes to emphasize our commitment to being transparent, addressing what happened in 2018, and to bringing about positive change within our organization to the benefit of all Canadians.
