In response to continued criticism of Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual assault claims, Hockey Alberta said in a statement Friday morning that it will not withhold funding from the national organisation.
Brad Lyon, senior manager of communications, asserted that withholding the money wasn’t entirely improbable.
Hockey Alberta has asked Hockey Canada to take specific initiatives and respond by particular dates, according to Lyon.
We have stated that if nothing is done, Hockey Alberta may take other measures, including but not limited to withholding participant fees.
Hockey Quebec stated on Wednesday that it will stop sending Hockey Canada the $3 participant assessment fee for the 2019 season, prompting parents and players in other provinces to inquire with their organisations about whether they would follow suit.
Hockey Saskatchewan in the neighbouring province rejected the notion that Hockey Canada had a “slush” fund.
Hockey Saskatchewan claimed in a statement that “there have been media claims indicating that Hockey Canada has a second secret “slush” fund.” I want to reassure Hockey Saskatchewan’s members that there is in no manner a “slush” fund.
Hockey Manitoba stated that it is in favour of a leadership change at Hockey Canada and called for a review of the Hockey Canada Action Plan that would involve input from specialists in sexual violence, abuse, bullying, and discrimination education, awareness, and prevention.
Hockey Ontario and Hockey Nova Scotia have halted sending participant assessment payments to Hockey Canada.
Hockey Edmonton and Hockey Calgary are responsible for collecting registration fees in Alberta. Of each registration, $23 goes to Hockey Alberta, and a portion of that goes to Hockey Canada.
Professor Dan Mason of the University of Alberta’s faculty of kinesiology, sport, and leisure claimed that the intense fandom many Canadians have for hockey has intensified the dispute.
According to Mason, “people have this stake in the game of hockey, so they perceive Hockey Canada as an entity that governs this activity that’s such an essential part of people’s lives, not simply as an administrative body.”
“I believe that there is a stewardship issue there, which is one of the reasons why people are so furious and why this hatred is directed towards Hockey Canada especially. People believe that Hockey Canada should oversee the entire sport, not just the participants.
Hockey Alberta did not specify the steps it wants Hockey Canada to take, the inquiries it expects responses to, or the time frame by which it needs them.
Hockey Alberta, according to Lyon, has no other comments to make.
Hockey Alberta has not yet stopped financing Hockey Canada.
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