Hockey Canada welcomes interim governance review
CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has heard from many Canadians, including Members, players, parents, and corporate partners, that change is necessary to make hockey a safer environment for all participants. We remain fully committed to making the changes necessary to regain the trust of Canadians and address systemic issues in and around Canada’s game.
As an integral piece of this work and our Action Plan, Hockey Canada has received an interim report from the ongoing independent third-party governance review, led by former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Honourable Thomas Cromwell, C.C. and supported by Ms. Victoria Prince and Ms. Nadia Effendi of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG).
The recommendations outlined in the interim report provide important guidance on initial changes the organization should undertake, in conjunction with the Action Plan.
As part of our commitment to transparency, Hockey Canada is releasing the interim report in full. The report provides detailed analysis and interim recommendations in relation to the first two terms of reference of the review: (1) the use of the National Equity Fund and (2) Hockey Canada By-Laws concerning the constitution and operation of the Board of Directors.
Hockey Canada is also releasing a Memorandum from Mr. Cromwell, pertaining to Term of Reference #5, which focuses on additional steps the organization may take to improve the confidence Canadians have in Hockey Canada, including recent leadership changes at the organization.
On the National Equity Fund, Hockey Canada accepts the report’s interim conclusions that while the establishment and use of the Fund is sound, there are significant improvements to be made to the Fund’s oversight and transparency. Hockey Canada is reviewing Mr. Cromwell’s recommendations, with a view to implementing them as soon as possible.
Also advised by Mr. Cromwell is for Hockey Canada’s Members to examine and address a number of By-Law changes. Hockey Canada is strongly encouraging Members to review the report’s proposals and to consider accepting them in their entirety.
On an urgent basis, Hockey Canada is recommending that Members pass necessary By-Law amendments to bring the nomination process in-line with best practices, as identified by the interim report (By-Law 27.1, 27.2 and 31.3). These changes will support the election of a new Board of Directors on Dec. 17, 2022, responding to the calls for leadership change at Hockey Canada with all Board positions up for election.
Hockey Canada will continue to provide updates publicly in relation to our progress on addressing Mr. Cromwell’s interim recommendations and look forward to the final Governance Review report later this year.