Former Sport Minister Suggests Hockey Canada Scrutiny Played Role in Advancing Police Probe on 2018 World Junior Team Sexual Assault Allegations
Former Canadian sport minister Pascale St-Onge has asserted that the national scrutiny surrounding Hockey Canada's handling of sexual assault allegations against members of the 2018 World Junior team may have been instrumental in propelling the police investigation forward. St-Onge, now the heritage minister, shared her perspective on the matter while entering a caucus meeting in Ottawa, stating, "After everything that's known around how Hockey Canada conducted itself around sexual violence cases involving their players, I think it brought the whole situation to the forefront and probably helped get the police investigation moving.
Despite her acknowledgment of the potential impact of public scrutiny, St-Onge refrained from providing further comments, citing the ongoing investigation by the London Police Service into the 2018 sexual assault allegations.
The controversy came to light in May 2022 when TSN reported that Hockey Canada had settled a civil lawsuit related to the incident. This revelation triggered a series of events, including renewed investigations and intensified scrutiny on Hockey Canada, ultimately leading to the resignation of the entire board and leadership team.
In response to the unfolding events, Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough addressed the situation on social media, acknowledging a "safe sport crisis" in Canada. She emphasized the importance of survivors sharing their experiences and vowed to prioritize accountability, integrity, and safety in the country's sports system.
Toronto-based lawyer Greg Gilhooly, a survivor of abuse by former hockey coach Graham James, criticized Hockey Canada's actions, stating that they had hindered the proper handling of the matter years ago. James was convicted of sexually abusing players, including NHL veterans Sheldon Kennedy and Theo Fleury.
As the investigation progresses, reports indicate that five members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors hockey team have been instructed to surrender to the police, anticipating charges related to an alleged group sexual assault in London, Ontario. The developments highlight the complex interplay between public scrutiny, organizational actions, and the pursuit of justice in addressing serious allegations within the sports community.
Unfolding Developments: Investigation into 2018 World Junior Team Sexual Assault Allegations Enters New Phase
Recent revelations about the 2018 World Junior hockey team have brought the spotlight back on the alleged sexual assault case, with The Globe and Mail reporting significant developments on Wednesday. Citing two unnamed sources with knowledge of the investigation, the report stated that players, as yet uncharged, have been given a specific timeframe to present themselves at the London police headquarters.
While Global News has not independently verified The Globe's reporting, the impact is resonating within the hockey community. Several players from the 2018 team, including Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils, Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers, Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames, and former Ottawa Senators player Alex Formenton (now playing in Switzerland), have taken indefinite leaves of absence. Teams have communicated this through statements on the social media platform X and in public comments. However, there is no confirmation linking these leaves to The Globe's report, and attempts to contact representatives for the players and official responses from the NHL and NHL Players Association have not been successful.
Notably, Foote's agent had previously stated in 2022 that his client was not involved in the alleged sexual assault, while lawyers for Hart and Dube asserted that their clients had not engaged in any wrongdoing.
Hockey Canada has refrained from commenting on the report, and the London Police Service issued a statement on Wednesday, mentioning their inability to comment on The Globe story but indicating a press conference on February 5 to share further details.
In response to these unfolding events, lawyer Greg Gilhooly, a survivor of abuse by a former hockey coach, urges a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of letting the legal process play out. He notes that while concerns about justice are valid, the unfolding case should not become a source of entertainment.
As the investigation progresses and the legal system takes charge, the hockey community and the public are left awaiting more details on a case that has significant implications for accountability, integrity, and the broader safety of athletes in the sports system.
Calls for Accountability: Lawyer Urges Stringent Measures Tying Funding to Behavior in Wake of Hockey Canada Controversy
As the controversy surrounding the 2018 World Junior hockey team unfolds, Toronto-based lawyer Greg Gilhooly is advocating for increased accountability measures within sports organizations, specifically tying funding to appropriate behavior. Gilhooly emphasizes the need for organizations to face consequences for improper conduct, stating, “Unfortunately, for far too long, we’ve been far too reluctant to bring the hammer down on organizations that don’t do the right thing.”
Gilhooly points out that accountability should be a driving force, ensuring that organizations are held responsible for their actions. He proposes a system where funding is directly linked to proper behavior, creating a powerful incentive for organizations to prioritize integrity and safety.
The federal government had withdrawn funding for Hockey Canada in May 2022 after news of a settlement related to the 2018 World Junior team surfaced. However, the funding was restored in April of the following year, after Hockey Canada met certain conditions, including becoming a signatory of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner.
Gilhooly expresses reservations about the timing of the funding restoration, suggesting that while Hockey Canada took positive initial steps, it is essential to assess the institution's ongoing actions. He questions whether the organization's outward appearances of doing the right thing are sufficient to warrant the reinstated government financing.
“I don’t mean to be critical because by all outward appearances, Hockey Canada is doing the right thing. But is it enough to have brought its financing back from the government? I think that’s a bit of a tough call,” Gilhooly remarks, emphasizing the importance of a thorough evaluation of institutional responses and actions.
As discussions about the role of accountability and funding in the sports realm continue, the controversy surrounding Hockey Canada serves as a catalyst for reevaluating the mechanisms in place to ensure responsible conduct within sports organizations.
In conclusion, the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2018 World Junior hockey team has prompted Toronto-based lawyer Greg Gilhooly to advocate for increased accountability measures within sports organizations, particularly those tied to funding. Gilhooly stresses the necessity of organizations facing consequences for improper conduct, emphasizing a paradigm shift in which funding becomes directly linked to proper behavior. While acknowledging positive steps taken by Hockey Canada, he raises concerns about the timing of the government's restoration of funding, questioning whether the outward appearance of doing the right thing is sufficient to justify the reinstatement.
As discussions unfold about the intersection of accountability and financial support in the sports sector, the case of Hockey Canada serves as a pivotal moment for reflection. Gilhooly's call for a stringent evaluation of institutional responses underscores the importance of ensuring that organizations are not only making public commitments but also actively demonstrating responsible and ethical behavior. The evolving narrative prompts a broader conversation about refining existing mechanisms to uphold integrity, safety, and accountability within sports organizations, fostering an environment that prioritizes the well-being of athletes and the integrity of the sport itself.
